Alstom has signed a ten-year framework agreement to supply Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail (IE) with up to 750 new X’trapolis commuter rail cars for Ireland’s DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) network.

The agreement was signed at IE’s Inchicore Works by Alstom Chairman and CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D., Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham, and Iarnród Éireann’s Chief Executive, Jim Meade. Funded by the National Transport Authority under the National Development Plan 2021-2030, the agreement will see the existing trains replaced and the DART fleet expanded as part of the DART+ Programme.

The initial order is valued at €270 million for 19 five-car trains, which includes a 15-year support services contract. They are due to enter service in 2025 and comprise six five-car electric multiple units (EMUs) and thirteen five-car battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs).

The BEMUs will be capable of running on battery power for journeys beyond 80 km outside the electrified network, and are the first modern battery fleet in Ireland. The batteries will be recharged via fast charging stations at chosen terminus locations and by recovering braking energy while the train is in motion. Using BEMUs will deliver emission-free connectivity and capacity ahead of full electrification of the entire DART+ network.

The fleet will be based on Alstom’s modular X’trapolis commuter train, specially modified for the DART+ programme. Each train will be 82 metres long and have space for 550 passengers.

To maximise accessibility, they will have walk-through gangways, a low-level floor, and an automatic retractable step. Other features include dedicated cycle and family areas and charging facilities for mobile phones, e-bikes and e-scooters. CCTV systems will be fitted throughout the trains to enhance safety and security.

Alstom will support the fleet for 15 years, including the provision of technical support and spares, and the use of its HealthHub and TrainScanner technologies for predictive maintenance.

Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s Managing Director in the UK & Ireland, said “Alstom is delighted to have been selected to deliver the new DART+ fleet. Ireland is a very important market to us, and the new electric and battery-electric X’trapolis fleet is a big step for making rail even more sustainable while transforming the passenger experience in the Greater Dublin area and beyond. This order reinforces Alstom’s position as the world’s leading innovator and supplier of green mobility technologies.”

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade, said: “this framework agreement with Alstom will be central to a transformative change for our services and for our customers, and will help us in Iarnród Éireann to achieve our ambition of being the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.  We’re excited to work with Alstom to deliver expanded services in the Greater Dublin Area, enhanced facilities for our customers, and a cleaner environment for our country.”