New rail freight service introduced from Dublin to Mayo

Iarnród Éireann has introduced two new freight rail services from Dublin Port to Ballina.

Operated by IWT (International Warehousing and Transport), the two additional services are operated by 12 newly refurbished pocket wagons, which will help cater to the increased demand for freight rail services.

The extra services bring the number of services operated by IWT between Dublin Port and Ballina to seven.

The move comes following the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which recommends investment to significantly increase Ireland’s freight rail capacity through the opening of new rail lines.

This includes the reopening of the Claremorris to Athenry section of the Western Rail corridor and the line from Waterford to Wexford, which would connect Ballina’s rail freight to the port at Rosslare.

This expansion will commence with the introduction of new freight services from 2026 on the Shannon Foynes line, which will offer rail freight services to a myriad of new customers.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said the new services show that there is ‘real appetite’ for rail freight from major industrial companies.

“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,” Minister Ryan said.

Speaking at the commencement of the new service, Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, said they are ‘delighted’ to welcome new customers and look forward to further expansion of their business.