Iarnród Éireann signs agreement for 150 freight wagons, with scope for up to 400 over a 10-year term

05 May 2025

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail has today agreed a framework with UK-based supplier W.H Davis for freight wagons for the Iarnród Éireann network. An initial order for 150 wagons is to be placed to replace aging wagons, with scope under the framework for further wagons to expand rail freight services, subject to funding and relevant approvals.

The total value of the initial contract is in the region of €44million for the first 150 wagons of the order, which will soon go into production.

Iarnród Éireann’s current freight wagon fleet is approximately 50 years old and approaching the end of its operational life. As part of its ambitious freight strategy, the company aims to enhance sustainable transport by expanding rail freight capacity, supporting a more balanced and environmentally friendly freight network in line with national climate action targets. These wagons have the scope to provide capacity to accommodate growing demand in the coming years, subject to further orders.

The wagons will be manufactured at W.H Davis’ Nottinghamshire plant in the United Kingdom. Their estimated design weight is 17-20 tonnes, and their payload capacity will be in the region of 62-65 tonnes an increase of 33% on the current wagons in use.

The new wagons will see operational maximum speed increase from 80kmh to 110kmh. With a 10-year framework in place, it sets out the pathway for a significant increase in operation, raising traffic to over one hundred new freight services weekly should the full 400 wagons ultimately be ordered. The first of these 150 wagons is expected to be delivered in Summer 2026 and after a period of testing, commissioning and external safety validation, it is expected that the wagons will go into service during 2027.

As businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint, rail freight offers a highly effective way to cut emissions by up to 70%, providing a fast, efficient, and sustainable transport solution. The rail freight connection to Foynes Port, set to open in Spring 2026, will expand transport options for a great number of potential customers, supporting a more integrated and environmentally conscious freight network.

Speaking at the announcement, the Director of Commercial Business Units Glenn Carr, said:

"This new wagon fleet order will significantly enhance the quality, competitiveness and service we provide to our customers for decades to come. It will support more companies in diversifying their transport strategies by incorporating rail freight, contributing to Ireland’s climate objectives and a more sustainable logistics system.'"

Andy Houghton, Managing Director of W.H. Davis (part of the Buckland Rail Group) said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Iarnród Éireann on this project and support them to deliver their ambitious freight strategy. I very much look forward to seeing our latest wagon designs in traffic in Ireland”