IRELAND: National railway Iarnród Éireann has formally signed a framework agreement for WH Davis to supply up to 400 wagons over 10 years.
There is an initial €44m firm order for 150 flatbed wagons to replace life-expired vehicles around 50 years old. They are to be manufactured at WH Davis’ Nottinghamshire plant in the UK, with the first expected to be delivered in summer 2026. Following testing, commissioning and safety validation, they would enter service during 2027.
The wagons will be designed to transport containers of various sizes from 20 ft to 45 ft, including refrigerated containers and ISO tanks. They could also carry timber or bulk cradles, which would need to be ordered separately. The wagons will have a design weight of 17 to 20 tonnes and a payload of 62 to 65 tonnes, an increase of 33% on the current wagons. The maximum speed will also be higher, at 110 rather than 80 km/h.
The framework agreement provides for further orders to support the expansion of freight services in line with Ireland’s national climate action targets, subject to the availability of funding and the relevant approvals. Growth is expected as result of the reopening of the disused freight line to the port of Foynes, which is currently being rebuilt for use from spring 2026.
‘This new wagon fleet order will significantly enhance the quality, competitiveness and service we provide to our customers for decades to come’, said Glenn Carr, Iarnród Eireann’s Director of Commercial Business Units, when the agreement was signed on May 5. ‘It will support more companies in diversifying their transport strategies by incorporating rail freight, contributing to Ireland’s climate objectives and a more sustainable logistics system.’
