Alstom to build 100 additional low‑carbon X’trapolis carriages for Dublin’s DART+ fleet

Global rail manufacturer Alstom has signed a contract with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to manufacture 100 additional X’trapolis electric multiple unit (EMU) carriages for Dublin’s DART+ commuter rail programme, in a deal worth about €160m.

The order increases the number of new DART+ cars being produced to 285, replacing long‑serving fleet stock and boosting capacity on the Greater Dublin Area network.

The new carriages, organised into 20 five‑carriage trainsets, are part of Ireland’s ongoing transition to more sustainable rail transport. These fully electric units are intended to supplant the original DART fleet introduced in 1984, helping Irish Rail reduce emissions associated with passenger services and align with wider decarbonisation goals.

Alstom has described the DART+ fleet as energy‑efficient and among the most sustainable public transport orders in Irish history, noting that modern electric traction significantly lowers carbon output compared with older rolling stock. The trains also incorporate design features aimed at improving passenger experience and accessibility, including increased capacity, enhanced onboard information systems, bicycle storage and CCTV.

Production is taking place at Alstom’s Chorzów facility in Poland, with deliveries to be phased in as infrastructure upgrades under the DART+ Programme continue. Earlier orders under a framework agreement include both electric and battery‑electric multiple units (BEMUs) – the latter capable of operating on non‑electrified sections of the rail network – further extending low‑carbon operations ahead of full electrification.

Officials from Irish Rail, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport have underscored the importance of the fleet expansion in supporting more frequent, reliable and sustainable commuter rail services in the Greater Dublin area. The investment forms part of a broader public transport infrastructure programme backed by government funding, including long‑term network expansion and service improvements.

The DART+ Programme is expected to significantly increase rail capacity and promote modal shift from road to rail, contributing to emissions reductions in the region’s transport sector.