Alstom to Supply an Additional 18 X’trapolis Trains to Irish Rail

Alstom has signed a contract with Irish Rail (IÉ) to supply an additional 18 five-car X’trapolis trains for the DART+ network.

The order, valued at around 160 million EUR, is part of a ten-year framework agreement signed last year.

A Dart train at Clontarf Road railway station, Dublin City, Republic of Ireland
A DART train at Clontarf Road railway station, Dublin City, Republic of Ireland

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan secured approval from the Cabinet to proceed with this order last week.

It includes the supply of 18 battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs), adding to an initial firm order of 19 five-car X’trapolis trains in 2021.

IÉ has now ordered a total of 37 five-car X’trapolis trains from Alstom to bring more capacity and decarbonisation benefits for the extended DART+ network.

Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s Managing Director UK and Ireland said:

“As the world’s leading innovator and supplier of green mobility solutions, Alstom is here for the long-term to support Ireland in delivering transformative change to its citizens through sustainable rail travel. This further order of X’trapolis trains signals Irish Rail’s intent to move quickly in greening the Greater Dublin commuter network, Ireland’s most populated commuter belt as a first step in that national transformation.”

The 37 trains are due to enter service in 2025 and will be capable of running on battery power for more than 80 kilometres outside the electrified DART network.

The batteries will then be recharged using fast charging stations at chosen terminus locations.

Chief Executive of Irish Rail Jim Meade said:

“As this welcome acceleration of funding for our DART+ Fleet is confirmed, the benefits of the framework agreement with Alstom become ever more apparent. We can respond swiftly, with this further major order of units under the agreement, to deliver transformative change for our services and for our customers. These further 90 BEMU carriages, coupled with last year’s order of 95 units, will help us in Irish Rail to achieve our ambition of being the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. We’re excited to continue to work with Alstom to deliver expanded services in the Greater Dublin Area, enhanced facilities for our customers, and a cleaner environment for our country.”

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