Alstom to deliver 285 DART+ cars transforming Greater Dublin rail with modern, sustainable trains

Credit: Alstom

Alstom is set to deliver the largest and most sustainable public transport fleet order in Irish history, increasing the number of DART+ cars to 285. As part of a €173.9 million investment in Ireland, Alstom has signed a €160 million deal with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) for 100 additional five-carriage X’trapolis electric multiple unit (EMU) trains. These new trains will replace the original fleet in service since the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) network opened in 1984.

“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,” said Piers Wood, Managing Director Ireland at Alstom.

The order follows two previous contracts for new 90000 Class trains, bringing total investment in electric and battery-electric trains to approximately €670 million. The new trains will replace the original 8100 Class rolling stock, used on the coastal line from Greystones to Malahide and Howth. Combined, the three orders will provide 285 Alstom cars for DART+, made up of 57 five-carriage X’trapolis trains.

The first order, for 95 new DART carriages, will enter service mainly on the busy Dublin to Drogheda line from the first half of 2027. The second order of 90 carriages will enter service from 2028. All three orders include associated maintenance services for up to 15 years. A framework agreement provides for up to 750 electric and battery-electric carriages over a ten-year period. Of the 185 carriages from the first two orders, 155 will form battery-electric multiple unit services with recharging facilities at Drogheda station.

Wood added, “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.”

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said, “This order of new DART carriages is the latest demonstration of the Government’s commitment to public transport and to rail in particular. It forms part of our NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for transport, which will see over €10 billion of investment in public transport infrastructure. The rollout of these carriages will help ensure that we continue to provide a sustainable and reliable DART service in the years ahead.”

In 2025, at least 23 million passenger journeys will have been made on existing DART services, with a further 16 million journeys forecast on commuter lines to Drogheda, Maynooth, M3 Parkway, Kildare and Wicklow. The full DART+ Programme, including new fleet and infrastructure under DART+ West, South West, Coastal North and Coastal South, will double rail capacity in the Greater Dublin Area.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, said, “The longevity of the original DART is a testament to our colleagues and the durability of electricity-powered trains. These new modern fleets will deliver real improvements in customer experience and major accessibility benefits.”

The new X’trapolis trains, currently manufactured at Alstom’s Chorzów facility in Poland, feature wide gangways allowing free circulation throughout the five-carriage sets. A ten-carriage train, formed by joining two sets, will carry at least 1,100 passengers. Enhanced security, increased bicycle storage, device charging and improved accessibility will transform public transport for Ireland.

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, added, “These new trains will ensure DART continues to deliver sustainable transport, improving the efficiency, reliability, accessibility and comfort of services for tens of thousands of passengers every day.”

The X’trapolis fleet forms part of Alstom’s Adessia commuter rail portfolio, designed to support urban ecosystems sustainably, with solutions including battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trains for non-electrified lines.