Bonnie Price, CEO of Young Rail Professionals (YRP), delivers some exiting news ahead of Christmas and looks forward to 2025.
As the CEO of YRP, I am thrilled to share an abundance of exciting news that marks a major milestone for our organisation.
On Thursday 7 November, we proudly launched YRP Ireland, extending our network to the vibrant and growing rail industry in Ireland. With thousands of members across the UK, YRP has become a driving force in the rail sector, empowering the next generation of professionals. This expansion into Ireland is a key step in our mission to foster a more connected and innovative rail industry across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
The Irish rail sector is a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, one that is central to the country’s growth and sustainability goals. With ambitious infrastructure projects and a shift towards greener transport solutions, Ireland is an exciting place for rail professionals to collaborate, share ideas, and build a more sustainable future.
Our goal with YRP Ireland is simple: to create a vibrant community for young professionals working across the rail sector in Ireland. We are eager to provide a platform for networking, professional development, and knowledge sharing that will help shape the future for the whole railway network.
A night to remember
Our launch event on 7 November was a fantastic evening that highlighted the potential and energy of YRP Ireland. Hosted in a lively venue, the event brought together industry professionals from all corners of the Irish rail sector. The evening kicked off with informal networking, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the inaugural YRP Ireland committee and other members of the YRP community. The atmosphere was full of excitement as attendees connected over shared passions for rail and latest ideas for the future of the industry.
At 7pm, we heard from YRP’s leadership, including myself, as well as our esteemed guest speakers. We highlighted YRP’s initiatives and activities, and shared exciting updates on key rail projects happening in Ireland. It was clear from the speeches and presentations that the future of rail in Ireland is filled with opportunities. Our members and partners are committed to making this an industry that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and diversity. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive and we saw so many fresh faces eager to get involved in the YRP community.
For me, one of the most exciting parts of the evening was meeting the new YRP Ireland committee. These are the individuals who will be leading our efforts in the region and shaping the future of our activities in Ireland. Their passion and dedication are infectious, and I have no doubt they will make an enormous impact in advancing YRP’s goals across the country.
Built on ideas and vision
Our launch event was not just about celebrating YRP’s growth into Ireland and its future within the EU. It was about engaging with the local rail community and starting a conversation about the future of the sector. We asked attendees to share their ideas and vision for YRP Ireland, and we were impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity on display.
YRP is a member-led organisation, which means that the success of our community depends on the input and involvement of everyone. The ideas we gathered during the launch event will help guide the direction of YRP Ireland and shape the kinds of activities and initiatives we will be delivering over the coming months. Whether it is organising events, creating opportunities for professional development, or advocating for the next generation of rail professionals, we are committed to ensuring YRP Ireland becomes a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking hub.
In the spirit of collaboration, I encourage everyone involved in the rail industry in Ireland to get involved with YRP. Whether you are just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned professional, YRP offers a unique space to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about the future of rail.
Expanding our reach
One of the key initiatives we are incredibly proud of is our collaboration with Women in Rail (WIR). Our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion in the rail industry has led to some fantastic partnerships, and one of the most recent highlights was the East Midlands Christmas Quiz. Co-hosted by YRP and WIR, this event saw a fantastic turnout with teams competing in a fun and festive atmosphere. The competitive spirit was strong, and we were thrilled to be part of such a successful event.
A big thank you to the YRP east-midlands chair Anna Gray, the WIR team, particularly Nicola McGuire and Charlotte Cruise, as well as our YRP East Midlands Committee for their hard work in making the quiz a memorable event.
It’s this kind of collaboration and teamwork that makes YRP and WIR such powerful forces in driving positive change in the rail industry.
The magic of Christmas
Another heartwarming initiative that YRP is proud to support is the Christmas Train Event. In 2023, we chartered a Christmas steam train for the first time, this year we transported 180 children with disabilities and from residential care homes for an unforgettable festive experience. This event was a wonderful example of how we can use our resources and passion for rail to give back to the community. The train was transformed into a Christmas wonderland with festive lights, music, and Santa’s special visit, and the joy on the faces of the children was priceless.
This event could not have happened without the hard-working YRP volunteers and supporters, including Adam Sergent, Sam Riley, Andrea Radulescu, Mason Reeve, and Kyle Cotterill, as well as a big thank you to TXM Consult and High-Speed Rail Solutions for providing transport and funding. A huge thank you to the Watercress Line for helping us create such a magical experience for all involved.
The feedback from the children, carers, and families was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible impact we can make as an organisation – and that the earlier that outreach for young people can start, the better!
What’s next for YRP?
Looking forward, the launch of YRP Ireland is just the beginning. We are already planning a range of exciting initiatives to engage and support young rail professionals across Ireland and the existing regions in the UK. Whether it is organising professional development workshops, organising technical talks, or fostering connections between key stakeholders, we are committed to ensuring that YRP Ireland becomes a major player in the Irish rail industry.
We are actively seeking new members, partners, and sponsors who share our passion for innovation, sustainability, and diversity in rail.
A final word
I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved so far with YRP, but this is just the start. Together, we can create a rail industry that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and sustainable. I look forward to seeing all of you at future YRP events and continuing this exciting journey with you.
Let us build the future of rail, together.
To find us please visit: www.youngrailpro.com
Image credit: YRP
