A new 1.6km rail spur at Dublin Port will help to reduce carbon emissions by as a much as 2,750 tonnes annually, it was claimed today.
The spur, built at a cost of €1.5 million over six months, allows freight trains bring cargo right into the port where it can be loaded directly onto ships.
Previously freight was unloaded on Alexandra Road before being transported to Ocean Pier via trucks.
The project was funded by Dublin Port Company in cooperation with Iarnród Éireann.
The first customer, logistics company International Warehousing Transport (IWT), which run services 4 times per week each way to Ballina said the extensions will help increase business and save up to 5.5 million road kilometres annually.
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said the new spur will enhance the attractiveness of the port as cheaper and more environmentally friendly destination for rail-based freight.
He said at the moment the main cargo coming through are coca-cola from Ballina, some Coillte products and also lead and zinc from Tara mines.
“First of all its taking them off the road which is good for the environment, reduces road maintenance costs, but the key thing is this spur goes right into the port, so it’s a lot cheaper,” he said.