Alstom Completes Major ETCS Level 1 Installation on Ireland’s Rail Network

Alstom has completed the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 on the Dundalk to Greystones railway line in Ireland.

The project, delivered in partnership with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), covers approximately 120km of track and aims to enhance safety and interoperability across the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) network and beyond.

The system overlay integrates modern safety features using in-cab signalling, which allows continuous supervision of train movements.

More than 1,200 balises have been installed along the route, transmitting data to onboard equipment. Additionally, 337 signals and over 450 Micro-Coder lineside electronic units (LEUs) have been incorporated to improve operational efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Piers Wood, Managing Director for Ireland at Alstom said:

The completion of the Dundalk to Greystones ETCS Level 1 project is a testament to our technical expertise and commitment to enhancing rail safety and efficiency in Ireland. This landmark achievement lays the foundation for the future of Irish rail, ensuring safer, smarter and greener transport for passengers.

The installation process, which involved global teams from the design stage in early 2022 through to testing in late 2024, provided employment for more than 50 professionals. The work was completed between October and November 2024, with an IÉ 22000 Class train serving as the trial vehicle.

The project is now undergoing safety approvals with Iarnród Éireann and the Commission for Railway Regulation. Once fully operational, the upgraded signalling system will support the introduction of new DART+ trains, which Alstom is supplying under a framework agreement with Irish Rail.

This agreement includes up to 750 commuter rail cars, with firm orders placed for 37 five-car X’trapolis trains. Among these, 31 are battery electric multiple units (BEMUs), marking the first deployment of this technology in Ireland, while six are electric multiple units (EMUs).

Manufacturing is currently underway at Alstom’s Chorzów facility in Poland, with the first train arriving in Dublin for testing in November 2024.

DART+ is a key element of Ireland’s National Development Plan, funded by the National Transport Authority. The programme aims to double capacity and extend electrification across the Greater Dublin area, aligning with national sustainability goals. By enhancing rail services, the initiative supports economic growth and improved connectivity for passengers in Dublin and surrounding counties.