At Port of Waterford today, Iarnród Eireann and XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of freight transportation solutions, launched a new rail freight service in each direction between Ballina, Co Mayo and Waterford.
The new rail service begins weekly operations today, building to twice-weekly within eight weeks.
It will offer Irish industry a greener and more efficient mode of transporting freight between the West and Southeast of the country. It will see the potential for over 5,000 truck movements a year to switch from road to rail, with a resulting reduction in road congestion, and 75% reduction in emissions per unit.
The new service comes as Iarnród Éireann is finalising a new national rail freight strategy to identify growth and investment opportunities to significantly grow rail freight operations.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, welcomed the new service, saying:
“The rail network has a critical role to play in transforming how we transport people and goods with a view to achieving net-zero emissions. This service offers a practical and sustainable option for businesses on both sides of the country who are looking to move goods for domestic and export markets. As we examine the potential to increase the use of the network for freight, it is fitting that this new service will offer an immediate solution for freight movement between these key locations.”
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said,
"We are entering a very exciting phase where rail freight can offer key solutions for the movement of freight as the country addresses both environmental and congestion challenges in this sector. We are currently finalising a very ambitious strategic plan for the growth of rail freight between key locations across the country. Today's announcement with XPO and Waterford Port demonstrates the viable opportunities that can be developed that will not just support industry and the logistics sector, but is also fully aligned with the country's climate action plan."
Port of Waterford Chief Executive Frank Ronan said,
“Port of Waterford welcomes the re-introduction of rail freight services to the Port at Belview. These trains, carrying container freight, will work very effectively with the Port's Lo-Lo shipping services to provide businesses in Ireland's West/North West with a compelling logistics solution to and from mainland Europe.
"Dublin's carbon emissions reductions and road and port congestion alleviation make this a worthwhile initiative. We wish XPO Logistics every success with this venture and look forward to working with them."
