95 new electric train carriages on the way for Dublin's DART service

Image credit: Alstom

Irish Rail has signed an initial order for 95 electric train carriages from French company Alstom, with the first trains expected to be entering service in 2025.

The contract, which is valued at €270 million, comprises of 19 five-car trains and it includes a 15-year support contract.

The order is made up of six conventional electric trains, which will be powered by overhead lines, and it also includes thirteen ‘battery-electric’ trains.

The battery-electric trains will be capable of journeys of over 80km outside the rail system’s electrified network.

The trains will be 82 metres in length, with space for 550 passengers. They will also feature retractable steps to maximise accessibility, bicycle and family areas, charging facilities for phones and e-bikes, as well as advanced CCTV systems.

This order of 95 new electric carriages is the first phase of a ten-year framework agreement for up to 750 electric and battery-electric trains between Irish Rail and Alstom.

Speaking of the order for new trains, Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said:

"I have no doubt that the DART+ as a programme of projects will prove to be transformative for the entire region, and work is already proceeding well on progressing the infrastructure schemes.

"The procurement of these battery-electric carriages is indicative of the urgency that is being shown when it comes to providing sustainable accessible transport alternatives for communities along these lines and beyond.

"In the draft GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042, we announced that Public Service Obligation bus and commuter rail fleet in the Dublin Metropolitan Area will be 100% electric and zero-emission by 2035. Today’s announcement marks a significant step towards that objective.”

You can find further information about the order for 95 electric Dart carriages on the Irish Rail website.