The Irish Rail Freight Strategy 2040

Irish Rail Freight enters exiting times of the Rail Freight development following the announcement of The Irish Rail Freight Strategy 2040, which sets out a comprehensive plan for the future of freight transportation in Ireland.

The strategy aims to promote sustainable and efficient freight transport while supporting economic growth and reducing carbon emissions. To achieve these goals, the strategy focuses on a number of key areas, including improving rail infrastructure, modernizing rolling stock, and developing new intermodal terminals. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration between Irish Rail, industry stakeholders, and government agencies. By 2040, the strategy envisions a significant increase in the amount of freight transported by rail, with Irish Rail playing a key role in supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The Irish Rail Freight Strategy 2040 is an ambitious plan that seeks to promote sustainable and efficient freight transportation while positioning Ireland as a leader in the field.

The commencement of Foynes line reconnection by Irish Rail marks an important step to the start of goals delivery under Rail Freight Strategy 2040.  The Foynes line, which connects Limerick to Foynes port on the Shannon Estuary, was closed for over two decades due to lack of use. However, with the growth of the local economy and the expansion of the port, there has been a renewed interest in reopening the line. The project involves upgrading the existing rail infrastructure with the focus on improvement of rail freight transport links with possibility of incorporating passenger service as well. The reconnection of the Foynes line will not only support economic development in the region, but also contribute to the national goal of promoting sustainable transportation.

On foot of the Rail Freight Strategy 2040 and expansion of Rail Freight , Iarnrod Eireann has appointed Kasia Steyn as Business Development Manger for Rail Freight. Kasia has joined Iarnrod Eireann as a Freight Services Executive in 2017, she also held a position as a Category Buyer in IE focusing on procuring Haulage and Consultant Services. Originally from Krakow Poland, residing in Ireland since 2004 started her career in the logistics sector working at Ecocem Bagging Plant as a Procurement and Logistics Manager. She was employed in Maxol Lubricants as Logistics Coordinator at their manufacturing site in Dublin. Kasia has also worked in Freight Forwarding in Key Accounts and Operations for XPO Global Forwarding.

In 2012 Kasia graduated from Dublin Business School with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Business with Psychology. She has  also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Technological University Dublin in 2019.  Kasia holds a diplomas in Freight Forwarding and Customs, both awarded by the International Freight Forwarding Association. She is also a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser by Road, Rail and Air.

For Rail and Road Freight business related enquiries please contact : kasia.steyn@irishrail.ie