Iarnród Éireann Secures Major Deal for 400 New Freight Wagons

IRELAND: Iarnród Éireann, the national railway, has officially inked a deal with WH Davis to produce up to 400 wagons over the next decade.

The agreement kicks off with a solid €44 million order for 150 flatbed wagons aimed at replacing aging vehicles that are around half a century old. These new wagons will be crafted at WH Davis’ facility in Nottinghamshire, UK, with the first batch expected to roll out by summer 2026.After undergoing testing and safety checks,they should hit the tracks in 2027.

These wagons are versatile; they’re built to carry containers ranging from 20 ft to an impressive 45 ft—this includes refrigerated units and ISO tanks. Additionally, they can transport timber or bulk cradles if ordered separately. With a design weight between 17 and 20 tonnes and a payload capacity of up to 65 tonnes—33% more than current models—the new fleet is set for higher efficiency.Plus, they’ll be able to travel faster at speeds of up to 110 km/h compared to the previous limit of just 80 km/h.

This framework also opens doors for future orders as Ireland ramps up its freight services in line with national climate goals—pending funding and necessary approvals. A notable boost is anticipated thanks to the revival of an old freight route leading back into Foynes port, which is slated for reopening in spring of ’26.

“This new fleet will greatly improve our service quality and competitiveness,” shared Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann during the signing on May fifth. “It’s all about helping businesses diversify their transport options through rail freight while supporting Ireland’s sustainability efforts.” This move not only enhances logistics but also aligns perfectly with global trends towards greener transportation solutions.