Locomotive G611 is one of a class of seven shunting locomotives constructed between 1961/62 by Motorenfabrik Deutz at Köln, Germany. The locomotives were specifically designed for shunting and light branch line work. Locomotive G611 entered traffic with CIE on 1st June 1962, and lasted in service until 22nd July 1977. The locomotive was officially withdrawn on 29th September 1977. 

Following its withdrawal by CIE, this locomotive, along with sister locomotives G613, G615, G616 and G617, were sold to Comhlucht Siuicre Éireann (Irish Sugar Company). G611 was initially used for shunting at the sugar factory at Thurles. However, this locomotive was subsequently moved to Limerick Depot and “adopted” by CIE for shunting at the adjacent wagon works. Locomotive G611 was fortunate in that it was stabled inside the shed for most of the time, and was kept in full working order by staff at the depot. However, in 1991, CIE decided to dispose of this locomotive and it was sold for preservation to the Irish Narrow Gauge Trust. It was moved to Cahir, Co. Tipperary, on 28th March 1991 and stored on an isolated section of track in the station yard.  

In September 1994 the owners of G611 decided to sell the locomotive, and gave first refusal to the ITG. The locomotive was fully operational when it was sold to the Group. On 5th February 1995 G611 was moved by low-loader from Cahir to Carrick-On-Suir, where it was to remain until it was moved to Inchicore Works in early 1996 for display at the open weekend on 15th and 16th June 1996. Following a repaint for the “Inchicore 150” event, this locomotive was considered to be in too good a condition to be taken back to Carrick-On-Suir and leave outside the shed. It was then decided to loan the locomotive to the Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway, and it eventually arrived there in August 1996 to join sister locomotive G617. Locomotive G611 has been in regular use at Downpatrick ever since, operating both passenger and engineer’s trains on the line.

G611 during the period it was stored at Cahir.

G611 under restoration at Inchicore.