Moves to extend the DART commuter rail network to Drogheda took a huge leap forward today with the signing of contracts between Iarnród Éireann and French company Alstom for up to 750 new environmentally friendly rail carriages over the next ten years.
Funded under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 by the National Transport Authority, the extension of the DART to Drogheda is part of the DART+ Programme, which will more than double the commuter capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area rail network.
The overall programme will provide electrification of lines on DART+ West to Maynooth/M3 Parkway, on DART+ South-West to Hazelhatchand DART+ Coastal North to Drogheda. DART+ Coastal South will also see key infrastructure works as far as Greystones to allow more trains to operate.
The First public consultation on the Dublin to Drogheda extension, which will feature new battery-electric carriages, are expected to commence as soon as January 2022.
The overall agreement for up to 750 carriages allows for the planned fleet expansion and also ensures there is a framework in place for more carriages to be ordered as demand increases – including requirements outside the current National Development Plan – and enables replacement of the original DART fleet (76-carriage fleet in service since 1984).
As well as the capacity increases that will be delivered through the DART+ Programme and the new DART+ Fleet in the Greater Dublin Area, Intercity carriages currently in use on Commuter services will be cascaded upon arrival of the new electrically-powered trainsets to enhance and strengthen other rail services.
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said: “the significance of this order and framework agreement – coupled with the approval by Government last week of the DART+ Business Case – for the future of rail transport in Ireland and our wider sustainable transport network cannot be overstated.
“This framework agreement with Alstom, and the associated infrastructure investment under DART+, will be central to a transformative change for our services and for our customers, and will help us in Iarnród Éireann to achieve our ambition of being the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. “We’re excited to work with the NTA and Alstom to deliver expanded services in the Greater Dublin Area, enhanced facilities for our customers, and a cleaner environment for our country.”
Chief Executive of NTA Anne Graham said: “The signing of this contract today is a clear indication of the real progress that is being made in developing a public transport service that will meet and exceed the transport requirements of people in this region for years and decades to come.”
“This is huge news for Drogheda commuters” said local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, “… these new units will transform rail travel for commuters coming in and out of Drogheda and East Meath.
“The initial order will be delivered in 2024 and will allow DART services to commence in the Drogheda and East Meath area well ahead of electrification. The Drogheda station will also provide fast charging points for the hybrid fleet.
“This is a project I have been campaigning on for a number of years and I’m delighted the contracts are now in place which will lead to the transformation our local commuter options and help generate more direct job investment in the area as more companies will be attracted to the commuter options available.
O’Dowd added “This will also now bring our campaign to reduce commuter costs closer to realisation as this more sustainable and less costly fleet must also now encourage more people to get off the motorways and get on the DART.”
