4. c. cxxxix) was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom on 31 May 1826 and had the distinction of being the first act authorising an Irish railway.

By 1900, there were a number of branch lines: The W&LR was generally short of cash to maintain rolling stock and most locomotive superintendents who were typically did not stay long.

was passed by the House of Commons and the WL&WR finally lost its independence on 1 January 1901.

The WL&WR locomotives were painted a medium green until 1876 and was replaced by a brown livery with blue and yellow lining.

Robinson introduced a crimson lake livery with gold lining for both passenger locomotives and coaching stock, very close to that of the Midland Railway of England.