Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), the national rail operator of Ireland, will invest €150 million in a major modernisation of its freight fleet by ordering 44 new carriages from UK manufacturer WH Davis. The deal includes an option to purchase a further 10 carriages over the next 250 years. The strategic move aims to increase efficiency and capacity in Ireland’s rail freight transport by replacing older carriages whose average age exceeds 50 years.
Significant Increase in Delivery Speed and Freight Volume Expected
Irish Rail predicts that demand for rail freight will increase steadily in the coming years. In line with this forecast, the company aims to meet future demand by strengthening its transport capacity now. The new wagons, which will be manufactured at WH Davis’s facilities in Nottinghamshire, will be 30km/h faster than the current fleet’s top speed and will be capable of reaching speeds of 110km/h.
Efficiency and Modern Technology at the Forefront
The new generation of carriages will weigh between 17 and 20 tonnes each and will be able to carry between 62 and 65 tonnes. This is around a third more than the carrying capacity of Irish Rail’s current carriages. This significant capacity increase will allow the operator to carry more freight in fewer journeys, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Deliveries are planned to begin in summer 2026, with the new carriages expected to enter service in 2027. If the option is exercised, the total order will reach a significant 400 carriages. This large-scale investment is seen as an indication of Irish Rail’s long-term development strategy and its determination to remain competitive. The company continues to invest in reliability and modern technology to meet changing market demands.
