Alstom has signed new contracts with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to deliver the onboard deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) across Ireland’s existing national rail fleet.
Valued at around 95 million EUR, the contracts cover the design, manufacture, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of ETCS Level 1 onboard equipment for up to 176 vehicles currently operated by Irish Rail.
The programme will form a key component of Ireland’s Train Protection System (TPS) National Rollout Programme, which will see ETCS progressively implemented as the country’s principal signalling technology.
Under the agreements, which were signed in Dublin on Tuesday 13 October; Alstom will equip up to seven fleet types with ETCS technology, including 22000 Class InterCity Railcar (ICR), 29000 Class, DART 8500 Class, 2800 Class, 2600 Class, 201 Class, Mark 4 Driving Van Trailer (DVT) and an option covering 071 Class locomotives.
The programme will include the development of prototype ‘Head of Series’ vehicles for each type, which will be followed by fleet-wide deployment, system integration, testing, safety assurance and vehicle authorisation activities required for passenger service operation.
Andrew DeLeone, Europe Region President at Alstom, said:These contracts mark an important milestone in Ireland’s railway modernisation journey and reinforce Alstom's long-term commitment to the Irish rail sector. Building on our successful delivery of Ireland’s first ETCS-equipped train and the initial ETCS trackside deployment, we are proud to continue working alongside Iarnród Éireann to deliver a safer, more reliable and more sustainable railway for passengers across the country.
These awards reflect the confidence that Iarnród Éireann places in Alstom and our ability to support the digital transformation of the national network over the long term. As we continue to invest in Ireland, the programme will help grow our local footprint, creating highly skilled jobs, developing future talent and expanding opportunities for graduates and apprentices.
All onboard installation will be handled by dedicated facilities in Dublin, and will see ETCS technology deployed across the mainline. The contract itself builds on Alstom’s previous ECTS work in Ireland, which includes the certification of ETCS Level 1 on vehicle No. 22001, the Head of Series for the 22000 Class fleet, and the delivery of approximately 120 kilometres of ETCS trackside infrastructure between Dundalk and Greystones.
Whilst the new contracts will focus on the retrofitting of Ireland’s existing train fleet, Alstom’s new 90000 Class and 80000 Class X’trapolis DART+ trains – which will enter passenger service across Greater Dublin from next year – will also be delivered with the same ETCS technology integrated as standard under separate rolling stock contracts.
