‘Sustainable’ Dart carriages set to enter service in 2025

Iarnród Éireann has signed a contract for 750 new DART carriages to be purchased over the next decade.

French supplier Alstom has been awarded the DART+ Fleet contract for up to 750 new rail carriages over 10 years.

It is expected that the first of the electric and battery electric carriages will enter service in 2025 and will eventually form part of the DART + network.

Iarnrod Éireann says it is the largest and most sustainable fleet in Irish public transport history and that it will increase capacity on routes before they are electrified.

The initial order for 95-carriages is set to include electric and battery-electric DART fleet for delivery of transformational DART+ Programme, and enhancement of capacity, accessibility and facilities for rail customers

Welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D said:

“This new fleet will result in increased capacity for passengers as well as improved accessibility, facilities and comfort.

“The battery electric trains included in this contract will be used on the Northern Line before electrification of the line is complete.

“This will free up the diesel units to be redeployed elsewhere thus boosting capacity further. Expanding and improving public transport is key to reaching our climate goals.”