The ETCS Level 1 retrofit forms a key part of Ireland’s Train Protection System National Rollout Programme, with a separate trackside contract targeted for award in mid-2027.
Alstom has signed contracts worth approximately €95 million with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to fit European Train Control System (ETCS) onboard equipment across Ireland’s existing national rail fleet.
The agreements cover the design, manufacture, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of ETCS Level 1 onboard equipment for up to 176 vehicles. They were signed in Dublin on 13 October by Andrew DeLeone, Europe Region President at Alstom, and Mary Considine, Chief Executive Officer at Iarnród Éireann.
Fleet retrofit central to Ireland’s Train Protection System programme
The award takes Ireland’s ETCS programme from a single certified train and an initial section of trackside equipment towards deployment across the wider fleet. The work forms a key element of the country’s Train Protection System (TPS) National Rollout Programme, under which ETCS will progressively be introduced as Ireland’s principal signalling technology.
ETCS is a train control standard based on in-cab equipment that can supervise train movements, including stopping the train.
“The contract with Alstom to retrofit our existing train fleet with a Class A European Train Control System – ETCS – Level 1 onboard solution is a major milestone in our Train Protection System Programme,” said Considine. She added that it was “a programme of work which will further strengthen safety on Ireland’s railways”.
“These contracts mark an important milestone in Ireland’s railway modernisation journey and reinforce Alstom’s long-term commitment to the Irish rail sector,” said DeLeone.
The contract with Alstom to retrofit our existing train fleet with a Class A European Train Control System – ETCS – Level 1 onboard solution is a major milestone in our Train Protection System Programme.”
Head of Series vehicles to precede fleet-wide fitment
The contracts cover up to seven fleet types: the 22000 Class InterCity Railcar (ICR), 29000 Class, DART 8500 Class, 2800 Class, 2600 Class and 201 Class, together with the Mark 4 Driving Van Trailer (DVT). They also include an option covering the 071 Class locomotives.
For each fleet type, Alstom will first develop a prototype ‘Head of Series’ vehicle. This allows the installation to be proven on one vehicle ahead of fleet-wide deployment, system integration, testing, safety assurance and the vehicle authorisation activities required before equipped trains can enter passenger service.
The inclusion of maintenance in the scope means Alstom’s role will extend beyond installation to supporting the equipment once it is in service.
The onboard installation programme will be delivered from dedicated facilities in Dublin, supported by Alstom’s wider ETCS expertise. The company supplies ETCS technology for mainline, suburban and high-speed railway networks in Europe and beyond.
DeLeone said the programme would also expand Alstom’s presence in the country: “As we continue to invest in Ireland, the programme will help grow our local footprint, creating highly skilled jobs, developing future talent and expanding opportunities for graduates and apprentices.”
Building on earlier ETCS deployment in Ireland
The retrofit contracts follow Alstom’s previous ETCS work in Ireland. This included certification of ETCS Level 1 on vehicle No. 22001, the Head of Series for the 22000 Class fleet, and the delivery of approximately 120 kilometres of ETCS trackside infrastructure between Dundalk and Greystones.
According to Alstom, those projects established the foundations of Ireland’s ETCS programme and enabled early testing of the country’s next-generation DART+ fleet, which the company is currently manufacturing.
“Building on our successful delivery of Ireland’s first ETCS-equipped train and the initial ETCS trackside deployment, we are proud to continue working alongside Iarnród Éireann to deliver a safer, more reliable and more sustainable railway for passengers across the country,” DeLeone said.
While the new contracts focus on retrofitting the existing fleet, Alstom’s 90000 Class and 80000 Class X’trapolis DART+ trains are being delivered with the same ETCS technology integrated as standard under separate rolling stock contracts. The new trains are due to enter passenger service across Greater Dublin from 2027, with the 90000 Class set to replace the current DART 8100 Class fleet.
Trackside contract targeted for mid-2027
With the onboard retrofit now contracted, attention turns to the trackside element of the national rollout. Considine said Iarnród Éireann is “continuing to progress the tender process for the TPS Trackside National Rollout, with contract award targeted for mid-2027.”
Together, the onboard and trackside workstreams will move ETCS towards becoming the principal signalling technology on Ireland’s network, with both the existing fleet and the incoming DART+ trains equipped to the same train control standard.
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