Rail Link - Infrastructure for Rail Freight & Logistics RDS Dublin 2025

Rail Link

Join us at Rail Link - Freight&Logistics RDS Dublin 2025 to explore the latest trends and innovations in the transportation industry!

Royal Dublin Society (RDS)

About this EventFollowing our hugely successful event at the Aviva Stadium in April, we’re excited to return to Dublin on September 30th at the RDS for our next major gathering. This time, we’re offering a streamlined format focused on high-impact talks, keynotes, and panel discussions—designed to deliver valuable insights and real dialogue on the future of freight and logistics.This is Ireland’s only dedicated event that brings together the logistics supply chain and the railway infrastructure sector, offering a unique platform to learn, connect, and collaborate. Here’s what you can expect:<ul><li>Companies innovating in sustainable goods transport</li><li>Engineers upgrading Ireland’s rail infrastructure</li><li>Automation specialists improving logistics for high-volume industries</li><li>Aviation, port, and rail representatives enabling efficient freight networks</li></ul>The event aligns with the Irish government's Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, focused on expanding rail’s role in freight transport and building a greener, more efficient logistics system.Throughout the day, you’ll hear from industry leaders through expert talks, practical sessions, and interactive panels covering sustainability, infrastructure investment, and supply chain innovation.Our host Shane Coleman will lead the day’s sessions, introducing a stellar lineup of speakers—including the ever-popular “Rory’s Stories” delivering a standout keynote. You'll also hear directly from Irish Rail on their freight strategy, as well as insights from major players shaping logistics across Europe.Entry is ticketed, and nonrefundable. Places are limited—so early booking is essential. Early bird 50% off now available.Who Will Be ThereOver 150 organisations and industry stakeholders from Ireland, the UK, and Europe will be in attendance—including Irish Rail Freight, DB Cargo, RIA, the Irish Exporters Association, Rosslare Europort, Doyle Shipping Group (DSG), Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC), PowerCon, Alstom, SKF, Aegis, Alba Logistics, Yeltech, MR Power Systems, Engineers Ireland, and more. This is a rare opportunity to connect across the entire freight and logistics ecosystem in one place.We’re proud to be supported by our event partner, the Rail Industry Association (RIA)—a key voice in rail innovation for nearly 150 years, representing over 400 organisations across the full supply chain.Who Should Attend?If you work in rail, ports, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, or supply chain management, this event is tailored for you. Whether you're seeking new solutions, exploring collaboration opportunities, or looking to understand where the industry is headed—this is where it happens.Why Attend?<ul><li>Hear from leading voices in rail freight and logistics innovation</li><li>Learn about major infrastructure investments and sustainability initiatives</li><li>Network with the people shaping Ireland and Europe’s freight future</li><li>Gain practical insights to help drive your business forward</li></ul>Book your Rail Link ticket now and be part of Ireland’s evolving freight and logistics movement.

Agenda

***These talks start at 9am. Please note that speaker starting times shown below are indicative and can change***. Your MC for the Day will be Shane Coleman. Shane is one of Ireland’s leading broadcasters and journalists, best known as the presenter of Newstalk Breakfast—the country’s flagship current affairs radio show. He is an award-winning writer and columnist for the Business Post, and the author of four best-selling books, including Bertie Ahern and the Drumcondra Mafia and Scandal Nation.

Shane is a highly experienced host and moderator, known for his insightful, engaging style at major conferences, seminars, and televised debates. He has interviewed top political figures, sports stars, and industry leaders, and brings authoritative analysis and lively conversation to every event.

Your Host

See how DB Cargo is redefining freight maintenance with AI. Discover computer vision models that detect wagon defects and monitor loads, drastically cutting manual inspections and errors. Explore how digital wagon checks mean real-time, centralized monitoring for smoother, safer operations. Hear about real use cases and delivered business value, and get a first look at how an AI co-pilot will enable predictive maintenance and even smarter rail logistics.

Speakers:
Elisa Sengle, Product Owner for AI Vision at DB Cargo, links AI with operations, regulation, and digitalization, powered by wide project management expertise.
Vitali Rjasanzew Frey, AI/ML expert at DB Cargo, leads wagon inspection automation, drawing on experience from Northvolt and BASF.

Transforming Freight Wagon Maintenance and Operations

Peter has over 12 years’ experience specializing in shore power, with a particular focus on projects that reduce the environmental impact of shipping. As a key member of Powercon, the market leader in standardized, modular shore connection technology, Peter has contributed to making shore power systems more cost competitive, reliable, and widely accessible for ports and shipping operators.

A regular speaker at international conferences and industry events, Peter has collaborated with ports, the shipping industry, and governments worldwide to drive the adoption of shore power and develop practical emissions-reduction solutions. His session, “Shore Power – Why plugging in vessels matters,” will introduce the technology, how it works, and its major benefits for port sustainability.

Shore Power – Why plugging in vessels matters, from Powercon.

Don’t miss Marcin Ruta’s electrifying, high-energy session on arc flash—a safety topic every engineer needs to know! A master presenter for Engineers Ireland CPD programmes, Marcin combines deep technical expertise with clear, practical insights that keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

With a master’s from Cracow University of Technology, and experience at global leaders like General Electric and Eaton, Marcin now heads MR Power Tech and MR Power Systems, delivering cutting-edge electrical safety solutions across the EMEA region. His dynamic presentations, packed with eye-opening real-world examples, have earned rave reviews for making complex topics both accessible and essential.

Get ready for an explosive journey through arc flash—this is one session you cannot afford to miss!

Shock Value: Why Arc Flash Demands Your Attention

Title:
Clearing the Tracks for Innovation: Approving Digital Automatic Coupling in Irish Rail Freight

Overview:
Ireland’s freight industry is ready for transformation with Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), set to boost rail efficiency and safety. But how does this technology earn approval for the network? Join Sam Hunt for an inside look at independent assessment and authorisation of DAC-equipped wagons. Explore the TSI framework, discover the approval hurdles, and gain fresh insights on bringing next-generation tech onto Irish tracks—all paving the way for a smarter, more connected rail freight future.

Speaker:
Sam Hunt is a Chartered Engineer with over a decade in rail, leading new build and upgrade projects at VTG Rail UK and now heading certification and approvals at AEGIS Certification Services. He brings key expertise in engineering change, vehicle approvals, and project delivery for rail’s next era.

Greenlighting Innovation: Certification & Assessment in Digital Coupling

Digitalisation and automation are transforming the shipping industry, introducing new technologies that enhance safety, boost operational efficiency, and support sustainability at ports. In this session, Kieron Moore explores how digital tools and AI—from real-time data systems to predictive safety monitoring—are revolutionising port health and safety.

Attendees will learn about practical applications such as AI-enabled CCTV, proximity sensors, “man down” radio systems, camera telematics, crane simulators, and more. Kieron will highlight benefits including improved situational awareness, reduced human error, risk mitigation, and streamlined communication, ultimately making ports safer and more resilient.

Port Health & Safety in the Digital Age: Harnessing AI and Digitalisation

Breda McCague is an award-winning global TED keynote speaker and high-energy MC known for inspiring and energizing audiences. A former Lieutenant in the Irish Reserve Infantry, Breda is also co-founder of Lean In Ireland, CEO of AIMING4 AWESOME leadership programmes, and a recent executive board member of the British Irish Trading Alliance (Dublin Chapter).

With a distinguished career in global finance transformation, Breda is also a musician, playing in trad and Celtic rock bands. This year, she became a first-time author in the Lioness Book Series, which hit No. 1 bestseller.

Breda’s dynamic style, passion for audience engagement, and entertaining stage presence make her a sought-after host and speaker worldwide.

High Performing Leadership Mindsets

Rory O’Connor, known widely as Rory’s Stories, is a bestselling author, comedian, and popular social media personality. Over the years, Rory has become a leading advocate for mental health in Ireland, openly sharing his personal journey and insights. His keynote talks blend humour and honesty, focusing on building resilience, managing setbacks, and prioritising mental wellbeing.

Rory draws on his own experiences to highlight the power of small lifestyle changes, from exercise and diet to meaningful conversations with your support network. He stresses the importance of knowing your worth, finding passion, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. With his trademark wit, Rory ensures audiences not only enjoy themselves but leave inspired to take positive steps in their own lives.

Rory's Stories

Heidi is the Environmental & Sustainability Manager for Train Operations at Iarnród Éireann, with 19 years of experience leading environmental management and innovative sustainability projects. She coordinates cross-company initiatives to improve rail services and operations, drawing on her background as an environmental consultant in Seattle. Heidi holds a Master’s in Environmental Protection and several specialist certifications. Raised in Idaho’s Silver Valley, her early experiences witnessing environmental transformation inspire her work today.

Kasia Steyn is the Rail Freight Business Development Manager at Iarnród Éireann, bringing nearly 15 years of expertise in rail logistics, customs, supply chain, and port operations. A certified DGSA (road, rail, air) and GDP Champion, Kasia leads on freight innovation and compliance. Her leadership and hands-on approach ensure Irish Rail’s freight operations stay resilient and future-ready.

Sustainability, Freight & Project Updates from Irish Rail 

James Dunne offers an exclusive look into the delivery of major rail projects in Ireland. As Head of Transport Planning for Capital Investments, he shares practical perspectives on what drives successful rail investment and project delivery, highlighting lessons learned and future challenges in transforming the network.

Speaker:
James Dunne is Head of Transport Planning for Capital Investments, with deep experience in major project execution and a strong focus on rail investment.

Irish Rail: Major Project Delivery with a Focus on Rail Investment

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