Alstom has signed a new contract worth 160 million EUR with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to supply an additional 100 new energy-efficient carriages for the Greater Dublin Area.

The further five-carriage electric multiple unit (EMU) X’trapolis train sets will fully replace the original fleet, which has been in service since the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) network first opened in 1984.

The new order follows two initial contracts for the supply of new units

© Alstom

Following two previous orders in recent years for new Iarnród Éireann 90000 Class trains; the order forms part of an investment in new electric and battery-electric-powered trains for Ireland worth approximately 670 million EUR.

The new order will supersede original 8100 Class rolling stock, increasing the number of Alstom cars in use on the DART+ to 285, made up of 57 five-carriage X’trapolis trains.

Following an order consisting of 95 new DART carriages, all of which are set to predominantly enter service on the line from Dublin to Drogheda in the first half of 2027, a second order of 90 DART carriages will see new units enter service from 2028 and include associated maintenance services over a period of 10 years.

The new, third order also includes all associated maintenance services over a period of up to 15 years.

All three orders form part of a framework agreement which aims to provide for for up to 750 electric and battery-electric carriages for Ireland over a ten-year period.

Of the 185 carriages from the first two orders, 155 will form battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) services, with recharging facilities available at Drogheda railway station.

Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland at Alstom, said:

This order for 100 new X’trapolis EMU carriages is another exciting step for Ireland’s ambitious DART+ Programme – retiring the original 1984 fleet and introducing a modern and higher‑capacity electric train across Greater Dublin.

Together with the battery‑electric units already on order, our trains will offer more reliable and lower‑emission services, and deliver a transformation in accessibility and onboard information for passengers. We’re proud to partner with Iarnród Éireann, the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority to help double rail capacity for the DART and advance Ireland’s wider decarbonisation goals.

The new order with Alstom was placed by Iarnród Éireann through the National Transport Authority (NTA), and was funded by the Department of Transport.

All new units will increase the capacity and sustainability of rail services in the Greater Dublin Area and offer a wide range of benefits to passengers, including accessibility improvements, increased bicycle storage, device charging and enhanced CCTV security.

The new fleet is currently being manufactured at Alstom’s Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland.

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