€120m tender launched for new wagon fleet

IARNRÓD Éireann (IÉ) issued an invitation for tenders for new freight wagons, marking the first potential significant investment in its wagon fleet in more than 20 years. The tender proposes an eight-year framework agreement worth an estimated €120m for the supply of up to 400 wagons, including a base order of 200 wagons with an option to extend the tender by a further two years.

Specification

The base order includes up to 30 ore wagons to replace the existing Tara Mines fleet. Bidders must have experience of designing and supplying infrastructure, intermodal and ore wagons for operation at up to 120km/h (74.56mph), with features for improved efficiency and safety including two pipe air brakes, disc brakes and latch/ buckeye couplers with integral buffing capability. The tender is among the first steps undertaken by the company to deliver its 2040 Rail Freight Strategy launched in December 2020.

HASSARD STACPOOLE Opened almost 175 years ago, Limerick Works is responsible for maintaining the majority of IÉ wagon fleet. On October 24, the 13.45 Galway-Limerick service passes the works. The Limerick area is expected to receive considerable investment in the next few years. In October funding was confirmed for Moyross station in the north of the city between Limerick and Ennis.