A new twice-weekly rail freight service in each direction between Ballina, Co Mayo and Waterford Port is to begin next month.
It's run in conjunction with Iarnród Eireann and XPO Logistics, a global provider of transport and logistics solutions.
The rail service says it will be a more efficient means of transporting freight between the West and the South East of the country and will see the potential for over 5,000 truck movements a year to switch from road to rail, reducing emissions per unit by about 75%.
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.
"Ireland's carbon emissions reductions and Dublin's 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."
The new rail freight service between Ballina and Waterford is in addition to existing rail freight operations, which include:
- Container traffic from Ballina to Dublin Port
- Pulpwood from Ballina and Westport to Waterford Port
- Zinc ore from Tara Mines in Navan to Dublin Port
