đź•’ Article read time: 2 minutes
Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA meets with Logistics UK
Logistics UK and a delegation from the business group’s Northern Ireland Freight Council met with Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA on Wednesday 30 April to highlight the value of the logistics sector to Northern Ireland and ensure the sector is prioritised by policymakers at the highest level.
The meeting was led by Logistics UK’s Head of Trade & Devolved Policy Nichola Mallon and Minister Kimmins met with Maire-Claire Reid, Managing Director of TST Group and Chair of Logistics UK's Northern Ireland Freight Council; Graham Patchett, Council Vice Chair and Depot Transport Manager at Musgrave Retail Partners NI; Anthony McVeigh, Chief Executive Officer at S&W Wholesale and Clive Whylie, Head of Operations at S&W Wholesale.
During the meeting, which took place at S&W Wholesale in Newry, the delegation discussed the critical role logistics plays in the Northern Ireland economy and how, with the right infrastructure investment and support from government, it can drive growth.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Mallon said, “We would like to thank Minister Kimmins and her team for making the time to meet with representatives from Logistics UK's Northern Ireland Freight Council.
"Logistics sits at the heart of all economic activity and in Northern Ireland alone there are currently more than 65,000 people employed in logistics roles, in over 6,000 logistics businesses, making, selling and moving the goods that the economy relies on every day.
“Without logistics, there is no trade. Logistics enabled Northern Ireland to export goods to the value of £19.56 billion in 2022."The contribution the sector already makes to the success of our economy cannot be understated but we also know significantly more opportunities could be forthcoming if our industry can realise its full potential, and that will be achieved by harnessing the power from prioritising the growth of logistics as a sector.”
Published On: 08/05/2025 13:30:00
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News In Brief
WH Davis agrees multimillion euro deal with Irish Rail
Irish Rail has agreed a framework deal with UK-based supplier WH Davis for new freight wagons to replace those in its fleet which are reaching the end of their operational lives.
The initial order is for 150 wagons, with scope for further wagons to expand rail freight services, subject to funding. The total value of the initial contract is in the region of €44 million, and the wagons will go into production soon at W H Davis’ Nottinghamshire plant.
The payload capacity of the new wagons will be in the region of 62 to 65 tonnes, an increase of 33% on the current wagons in use, and they will see operational maximum speed increase from 80 to 110 kilometres per hour.
The wagons are expected to be delivered in summer 2026 and go into service in 2027 following testing, commissioning and external safety validation.
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