Irish Rail unveils first train of Alstom X’trapolis DART+ fleet

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has revealed the first five-carriage train of the new Alstom X’trapolis fleet for the DART+ programme at Inchicore Works in Dublin.

The train is the first of 185 carriages that are expected to enter service in 2026.

The trains are part of two orders placed under a framework agreement that could see up to 750 electric and battery-electric carriages delivered over ten years.

The initial order will benefit several routes, with 65 battery-electric carriages for Drogheda to Dublin services, and new electric carriages for Malahide/Howth to Bray/Greystones services.

The additional 90 carriages ordered in December 2022 will support the DART+ network expansion, potentially extending to other routes pending further electrification.

The fleet, funded by the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040, aims to double capacity and treble electrification of the rail network in Greater Dublin starting with the Drogheda to Dublin Commuter route.