Ireland’s railways are on the cusp of a significant modernisation, with major new train orders announced for both the flagship Dublin–Belfast Enterprise service and Dublin’s suburban DART network.
On the cross-border route, Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways have selected Stadler to supply eight new electro-diesel Flirt trainsets to replace the ageing locomotive-hauled Enterprise trains. Based on Stadler’s proven Flirt platform, the new units will be capable of running under the Dublin area 1.5 kV DC electrification and in diesel mode elsewhere, with onboard batteries allowing short zero-emission operation in sensitive areas such as Belfast’s Grand Central station. The design is also future proofed to allow diesel equipment to be replaced with full electric capability if electrification is expanded.
For passengers, the new Enterprise trains promise a step change in comfort and accessibility. Level boarding, low-floor interiors, generous PRM spaces, seven toilets per train and improved catering — including hot meals at seat in first class — will bring the service firmly into the modern era. Entry into service is planned for 2030, finally allowing the withdrawal of the long-serving Class 201 locomotives and De Dietrich coaches.
In Dublin, the Government has funded a further 100 new electric DART carriages, to complete the replacement of the original fleet introduced in 1984. This latest €173.9 million order brings total DART investment to around €670 million and 285 new carriages. Alongside earlier orders entering service from 2027 and 2028, the new trains will deliver more capacity, better accessibility, enhanced security and improved facilities across the expanding DART+ network.
