IARNRÓD Eireann-Irish Rail (IÉ) and XPO Logistics have together begun operating a bi-directional containerised freight service between Ballina, in County Mayo and Waterford. The first train of the new service left Belview Port near Waterford behind 071 Class No. 072 on September 29.
The service will initially operate on a once-a-week basis, but the plan is to increase this to twice-weekly within eight weeks. The hope is that some 5000 truck movements a year could make the switch from road to rail, something welcomed by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD.
Commenting on the start of the new ‘liner’ service, Mr Ryan said: “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.”