Irish Rail unveiled first of 37 X’trapolis electric trains to serve Dublin

Irish Rail unveiled the first Alstom X’trapolis train in Dublin. Invited guests, including representatives of the authorities, Irish Rail and the media, had the opportunity to board for the first time one of the trains that will operate on the DART+ (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) network from 2026. The new fleet of 37 electric and battery-electric trains will significantly improve the quality of passenger services in Greater Dublin, including increasing network capacity and vehicle availability.

The five-carriage train, manufactured at Alstom’s Chorzow plant, is one of a total of 185 carriages: 155 battery-electric and 30 electric, ordered by Irish Railways in two tranches. The framework contract provides for the possibility of ordering up to 750 coaches in total as part of the development of the DART+ programme. The programme aims to double the capacity and triple the level of electrification of the rail network in Greater Dublin, making rail the backbone of sustainable transport in Ireland.

“We are delighted to unveil the first train of the new DART+ fleet. This is an important step towards achieving our vision of a decarbonised rail network. We want rail to be the backbone of a sustainable, interconnected transport system in Ireland, making it easier to connect people and places. Our aim is to improve quality of life and provide a fully accessible transport system that is flexible, regular, fast, friendly, affordable, efficient and low carbon”, said Irish Rail Chairman Jim Meade at the presentation of the train.

The delivery of 185 X’trapolis carriages is the largest, most sustainable and environmentally friendly order in the history of public transport in Ireland. Its completion marks a milestone in the development of Irish Rail. New trains will replace long-lived Japanese vehicles, among others. They will also be the longest and most spacious trains in the history of the Irish fleet – a 10-car train consisting of two five-car trains will carry at least 1,100 passengers.

“We are very proud that the Chorzów plant – one of Alstom’s largest and most modern rolling stock factories – is delivering such an important contract for Ireland and its people. It is a unique opportunity for us to be involved in the construction of one of the largest battery fleets in Europe. We believe the X’trapolis modular suburban platform will serve passengers in and around Dublin for many years to come. In collaboration with Irish Rail, Alstom has designed vehicles tailored to the needs of the DART+ programme, which will result in improved travel comfort and the full exploitation of the potential of a sustainable urban network”, said Beata Rusinowicz, Alstom’s Managing Director for Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic States.

In addition to the fleet, Alstom will provide Irish Rail with a range of services including technical support, spare parts for the first 15 years of the fleet’s life and three train simulators for driver training.