In response to increased demand for rail freight solutions, International Warehousing and Transport (IWT) has launched two additional rail freight services between Dublin Port and Ballina. The expansion brings the total number of services between the two locations to seven. The services will be operated using 12 newly refurbished pocket wagons.
The new services follow the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The review sets out plans to improve Ireland's rail freight network. Key recommendations include the reopening of the Claremorris to Athenry section of the Western Rail Corridor and the reopening of the Waterford to Wexford line, linking Ballina freight to Rosslare Europort.
In addition, new freight services are expected to be launched on the Shannon-Foynes line in 2026, further increasing Ireland's rail freight capacity and providing new connections for industrial customers.
“Ireland’s use of rail freight is low in comparison to the use of rail freight across Europe. But this can and will change. Without rail freight we cannot expect to decarbonise our transport system,” highlighted Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
