IRISH ANGLE

Despite an uncertain future, many container trains to and from Dublin's port are running fully loaded

Irish container trains run close to full capacity.

IWT container traffic between Dublin Port and Ballina continued during the period under review and at a reduced frequency. However, the service pattern became more regular and the number of containers being transported remained high, with most trains fully loaded.

While box containers continued to be the main type being transported, tank containers made up a significant proportion on many of the trains. It is possible that their weight when loaded may exceed the limit that is permitted to be transported by road.

The arrangement at Dublin included the transfer of Ballina-bound trains from the Common User Terminal to East Wall yard where they were recessed. As the line used for this purpose can only hold 15 wagons, three were uncoupled and stabled on an adjacent line. This ensured that Tara Mines ore trains, which use the port company's Alexandra Road Tramway to access the Boliden terminal at the dockside, were unimpeded. The IWT train was then reassembled before departure for Ballina.

RETRO LIVERY

GM Nos. 082 and 083 were regular power on the IWT trains, but also noted on the duties were Nos. 220 and 232. Locomotives used on Tara Mines traffic included Nos. 071, 077, 086 and 088. Retro-liveried No. 071 was working ore trains on and from August 10, following a lengthy period on CE Dept duties. Nos. 076 and 088 were each in charge of timber trains at Ballina on July 26 and August 10, respectively. No. 079 worked a loaded timber train from Westport to Waterford on August 16 while No. 077 worked an empty train from Waterford on the 17th, returning there loaded two days later. No. 088 worked a loaded Westport to Waterford train on the 23rd.