Irish Rail’s €44M Freight Fleet Upgrade

Iarnród Éireann Embarks on Major Freight Fleet Renewal with W.H. Davis Agreement

Ireland, May 12, 2025

Ireland’s national railway operator, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), has taken a monumental step towards modernizing its freight operations and bolstering sustainable logistics with the announcement of a significant framework agreement. This pivotal deal, inked with UK-based rolling stock manufacturer W.H. Davis, initially involves the procurement of 150 new freight wagons, valued at approximately €44 million ($49.4 million). This investment is not merely a fleet upgrade; it represents a core component of Iarnród Éireann’s ambitious freight strategy, designed to significantly enhance rail freight capacity, improve service efficiency, and align with Ireland’s national climate action objectives. The new rolling stock will replace an aging fleet, some of which has served for nearly half a century, and pave the way for future expansion, heralding a new era for rail freight transportation across the Irish network. This article will delve into the strategic imperatives, technical specifications, and broader economic and environmental impacts of this landmark procurement.

Strategic Revitalization of Ireland’s Rail Freight Capacity

The decision by Iarnród Éireann to invest heavily in new freight wagons is deeply rooted in a comprehensive national freight strategy. This strategy aims to transition a greater share of freight movement from road to rail, a mode of transport recognized for its lower carbon footprint and potential to alleviate road congestion. The existing freight wagon fleet, with an average age approaching 50 years, presents operational limitations and increasing maintenance demands, making its replacement a critical priority. By introducing modern, higher-capacity rolling stock, Iarnród Éireann is not only addressing obsolescence but is proactively expanding its capacity to meet anticipated future growth in freight demand. This initiative is intrinsically linked to Ireland’s climate action plan, which mandates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. Rail freight offers a compelling solution, and this investment underscores the operator’s commitment to providing sustainable and efficient transport options for Irish businesses.

Details of the Landmark Wagon Procurement

The agreement with W.H. Davis encompasses an initial firm order for 150 freight wagons, carrying a contract value of approximately €44 million (equivalent to $49.4 million). These wagons are scheduled for manufacturing at W.H. Davis’ facility in Nottinghamshire, England, with the first deliveries anticipated in the summer of 2026. Following delivery, the wagons will undergo a thorough testing and commissioning phase on the Irish network, with their full entry into operational service projected for 2027. Beyond this initial tranche, the framework agreement holds significant long-term potential. It allows for the phased acquisition of up to 400 wagons over a ten-year period. The realization of this full order is contingent upon securing necessary funding and approvals but signals a strong, forward-looking vision. Andy Houghton, Managing Director of W.H. Davis, expressed his enthusiasm: “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.” If the full complement of 400 wagons is integrated into the fleet, Iarnród Éireann anticipates it could facilitate the operation of more than 100 new freight services per week, a substantial uplift in national rail freight movements.

Enhanced Operational Capabilities and Technical Specifications

The new rolling stock from W.H. Davis is set to deliver a substantial upgrade in operational performance compared to the legacy fleet. Each of the newly designed wagons will have an estimated tare weight of between 17 and 20 tonnes. More significantly, they will boast a payload capacity ranging from approximately 62 to 65 tonnes. This represents a remarkable 33% increase in carrying capacity per wagon compared to the current fleet, translating directly into greater efficiency and reduced train lengths for the same volume of freight. Furthermore, the operational maximum speed of these new wagons is rated at 110km/h. This is a crucial enhancement, being 30km/h faster than the existing fleet’s top speed. This increased speed capability will allow for more flexible train pathing, potentially improving integration with passenger services on shared lines and reducing overall transit times for freight customers. These technical advancements are key to making rail freight a more competitive and attractive option.

Broader Impacts on Logistics and National Infrastructure

This significant investment in modern freight wagons extends far beyond a simple fleet renewal, promising widespread benefits for Ireland’s logistics sector and national infrastructure. As highlighted by Glenn Carr, Iarnród Éireann Commercial Business Units Director, the new fleet is expected to “significantly enhance the quality, competitiveness and service we provide to our customers for decades to come.” He added that 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.” This improved service offering is crucial for encouraging more companies to utilize rail, which, according to Iarnród Éireann, can reduce transport-related carbon emissions by as much as 70% compared to road haulage. The timing of this fleet upgrade also aligns strategically with other key infrastructure developments, most notably the forthcoming reopening of the rail freight connection to Foynes Port, scheduled for spring 2026. This port link will unlock new multimodal transport options for a diverse range of industries, further amplified by the capabilities of the new wagon fleet. The potential to add over 100 new freight services weekly, should the full 400-wagon order be fulfilled, underscores the transformative scale of this initiative for Irish logistics.

Conclusions

The framework agreement between Iarnród Éireann and W.H. Davis for the supply of up to 400 new freight wagons, commencing with an initial 150 units, marks a watershed moment for the Irish rail freight industry. This strategic procurement, valued initially at €44 million, is far more than a routine fleet upgrade; it is a clear declaration of intent to revitalize and expand rail freight’s role within Ireland’s national transport ecosystem. The replacement of a near half-century-old fleet with modern, high-capacity, and faster rolling stock will unlock significant operational efficiencies, directly benefiting businesses by offering a more competitive and reliable logistics solution.
The technical specifications of the new wagons—a 33% increase in payload and a 30km/h higher operational speed—are pivotal improvements that will enhance network capacity and service responsiveness. This investment aligns seamlessly with Ireland’s ambitious climate action targets, positioning rail freight as a key enabler for decarbonizing the transport sector by potentially cutting emissions by up to 70% compared to road alternatives. The synergy with upcoming infrastructure projects, such as the Foynes Port rail link, further amplifies the strategic value of this modernization program. Looking ahead, the ten-year scope of the agreement and the potential for a significantly larger fleet underscore a long-term vision for robust growth in rail freight, promising a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient supply chain for Ireland. This initiative by Iarnród Éireann, which adeptly manages both passenger and freight services, demonstrates a proactive approach to future-proofing a vital component of the nation’s infrastructure.

Company Summaries

• Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail): As Ireland’s national railway operator, Iarnród Éireann is responsible for providing passenger and rail freight services across the Republic of Ireland. It operates as a subsidiary of the state-owned Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) group and is actively engaged in modernizing its infrastructure and rolling stock to promote sustainable transport solutions.
• W.H. Davis Limited: A prominent UK-based engineering firm specializing in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of rail freight wagons. Located in Langwith Junction, Nottinghamshire, England, W.H. Davis has a long-standing reputation for producing bespoke rolling stock solutions for a diverse array of industries and freight types.