Irish Rail gives first glimpse of ultra-modern electric trains set to be rolled out on DART lines
The first of Irish Rail's new five-carriage trains has been unveiled in Dublin, where they are expected to be deployed in early 2026
Irish Rail has unveiled the first of a new fleet of electric trains that are set to modernise the DART network from 2026.
The sleek five-carriage train was displayed at Inchicore Works in Dublin this morning, sporting wide gangways, high-resolution onboard screens, retractable steps for improved accessibility, and advanced CCTV systems.
A total of 185 carriages are currently on order from Polish manufacturer Alstrom, and as many as 750 may be purchased over the next 10 years under the current framework agreement.
The first of the new trains are expected to hit the tracks on the Dublin-Drogheda commuter route in early 2026. These will be battery-electric models with a range of 80km, which will be able to recharge at Drogheda Station.
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Some 155 of the 185 carriages on order will be battery-electric, while the remainder will be electric only, and will be rolled out following the electrification of the lines where they will operate.
A total of 65 new battery-electric carriages will initially be deployed on the Drogheda to Dublin Northern Commuter services, while new electric carriages will be rolled out on the Malahide/Howth to Bray/Greystones route.
Each five-carriage train will have standard seating for 184, 20 priority seats, and standing room for 347 people. There will be eight doors, two wheelchair spaces, and capacity for eight bikes.
The new carriages will now undergo a rigorous testing and commissioning process at Inchicore Works and on the Greater Dublin Area rail network with a view to securing regulatory approval.
The fleet is being funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project 2040 as part of the broader DART+ Programme, which is a series of infrastructure projects aimed at doubling the capacity and trebling the electrification of Dublin’s rail network.
"We are thrilled to unveil the first of the new DART+ fleet today, a critical step in our vision to see a decarbonised rail network," said Irish Rail CEO Jim Meade.
"Our vision at Iarnród Éireann is for rail to be the backbone of a sustainable transport system, integrating with all modes to create ease of connection between people and places.
"It is about quality of life, delivering a fully accessible transport system for all, one that is flexible, frequent, faster, friendly, fairly priced, feasible to deliver, fully accessible and freer of carbon."
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said the move was a significant step towards "a more sustainable, accessible and comfortable" public transport network for passengers.
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