Stadler will build trains for Ireland for the first time, after operators Iarnród Éireann in the Republic of Ireland and Translink NI Railways in Northern Ireland ordered eight FLIRT Intercity trains for the Dublin–Belfast rail link.
The new trains will enter service in 2030 on the cross-border Enterprise route, which connects the capital of Ireland with the capital of Northern Ireland. The contract also includes maintenance services for a period of 15 years.
The project is part of a cross-border investment of GBP 548 million, equivalent to approximately EUR 698 million, jointly funded by the authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and supported by EUR 165 million through the European PEACEPLUS program.
New trains on the Dublin–Belfast route
The Enterprise Line, approximately 180 kilometers long, provides a direct connection between Dublin and Belfast. The trains currently in service are nearing the end of their service life, which is why the two operators have ordered a new fleet for this cross-border Intercity service.
The new FLIRT IC trains are expected to reduce the travel time between the two capitals to under two hours. This will also allow for the introduction of one additional train per day in each direction.
Once the new fleet enters service, 16 trains per day in both directions will operate on the Dublin–Belfast route to meet growing demand.
200-meter trains with 407 seats
The trains ordered by Iarnród Éireann and Translink NI Railways will be 200 meters long and have 407 seats. Stadler notes that they will offer more spacious seating areas, onboard Wi-Fi, improved catering services, and a bright, modern interior design.
The new trains will be fully accessible, with step-free access to all exterior passenger doors, reserved seating for passengers with reduced mobility, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
The maintenance contract covers technical support, the supply of spare parts, engineering services, technical supervision of maintenance work, and staff training. Stadler will provide these services to maintain the fleet’s availability and reliability.
Diesel-electric technology and batteries
An important element of the project is the propulsion system of the new trains, designed for flexible operation on a route with differing infrastructure between the two jurisdictions.
The FLIRT trains will be equipped with diesel-electric and battery technology, which will allow operation on sections with different power supply systems or without electrification.
In the Belfast area, where the infrastructure in Northern Ireland is not electrified, the trains will be able to run using the integrated battery. The diesel engine will then be used to cross the border to Drogheda in the Republic of Ireland. From there, the trains will use overhead catenary power and continue to Dublin in electric mode.
The switch between propulsion modes will be automatic and imperceptible to passengers, according to Stadler.
Ready for future electrification
The new trains are designed so that they can later transition to electric and battery operation between the two countries. In this configuration, the trains would run between Dublin and Drogheda using a 1,500 V DC traction system, and between Drogheda and Belfast using 25 kV AC.
The battery would remain available to cover any non-electrified sections. Stadler claims that this solution prepares the Dublin–Belfast route for the joint strategy to achieve net-zero emissions.
Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President of Service at Stadler, stated that the project marks the entry of Stadler trains onto the island of Ireland.
“With this order, Stadler trains will run on the island of Ireland for the first time. The Enterprise Link is a symbol of the close cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We are proud to contribute to the modernization and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route through our FLIRT trains and comprehensive service packages,” said Daniel Baer.
Ralf Warwel, Sales Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland at Stadler, stated that the trains have been adapted to the specific requirements of the Enterprise route.
“The new FLIRT trains offer a high level of comfort and maximum flexibility for cross-border operations. They are perfectly suited to the specific requirements of the Enterprise line. We thank Iarnród Éireann and Translink NI Railways for their trust and look forward to close collaboration on this pioneering project,” said Ralf Warwel.
Funding through PEACEPLUS
The total investment for the new fleet and associated infrastructure is GBP 548 million, or approximately EUR 698 million. The project is funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, through the Department for Infrastructure, and by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Transport.
The program also receives EUR 165 million through PEACEPLUS, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink, said the investment will transform the travel experience on the Enterprise route.
“Today is about turning a long-term ambition into reality. We would like to thank our funders for this investment, which will transform the Enterprise experience, delivering a modern, high-quality journey that puts accessibility, comfort, and passengers at the heart of this vital cross-border service. We look forward to working closely with Stadler to deliver this transformative project,” said Chris Conway.
Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, stated that the new fleet will mark a new chapter for the Enterprise service.
“Iarnród Éireann and Translink are delighted to be collaborating with Stadler to open a new chapter for Enterprise. With the support of our funders,
the new Stadler Enterprise fleet will enable us and Translink to offer a true flagship service for current and future customers, seamless cross-border operations, the highest standards of customer service, and a new era of accessibility and sustainability for the Dublin–Belfast rail line,” said Mary Considine.
With this contract, Stadler is strengthening its presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Enterprise project builds on the company’s existing contracts in England, Wales, and Scotland, where Stadler already provides support for a fleet of 275 trains, with 432 employees in the United Kingdom.
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