Railway companies Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and Translink NI Railways (NIR) have ordered a set of eight FLIRT Intercity trains from Stadler, as well as associated maintenance services.
The contract marks the first time Stadler has been awarded a contract to provide rolling stock for the island.
The trains will operate on services between Dublin and Belfast
© Stadler
The new units will enter operation on the approximately 180-kilometre-long Enterprise railway line connecting Dublin and Belfast, reducing journey times and increasing service frequency, in 2030.
As part of the contract, Stadler will provide maintenance services for a period of 15 years, including maintenance support, technical support, the supply of spare parts, engineering services, technical supervision of maintenance, and staff training.
Once in service, the new trains are expected to reduce the journey time between the two capitals to under two hours, both increasing competitiveness and enabling IÉ and NIR to introduce an additional train per day in each direction – bringing the total to 16 every day.
The FLIRT trains are equipped with a diesel-electric and battery driven technology, enabling flexible operation across different power and grid systems. With Northern Ireland yet to become electrified; the trains run in the Belfast area using the built-in battery before the Diesel engine takes the unit across the border into the Republic of Ireland to the city of Drogheda. From there, the trains are powered by overhead lines and continue to Dublin utilising electric drive.
Each train has been designed to transition to dual electric and battery operation between the two countries, with vehicles then set to run from Dublin to Drogheda using a 1500 V DC traction system and from Drogheda to Belfast using a 25 kV AC system. If necessary, the battery can be used to bridge any non-electrified sections of the line, paving the way for the two countries’ agreed net-zero strategy for the Dublin–Belfast line.
Passengers will be able to access Wi-Fi on board, improved catering services, and a bright, open design. The 200-metre-long trains can carry up to 407 seated passengers, and are completely barrier-free, with step-free access at all exterior passenger doors, reserved seats for those with reduced mobility and wheelchair-accessible toilets.
Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President Service of Stadler said:
With this order, Stadler trains will be operating on the island of Ireland for the first time. The Enterprise connection is a symbol of the close cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
We are proud to contribute to the modernisation and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route with our FLIRT trains and comprehensive service packages.
The 548 million GBP/698 million EUR project has been supported by funding provided by the Northern Ireland Executive, Department for Infrastructure and the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with 165 million EUR through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.