Project Specific FAQs

The interior configuration of the new DART+ Fleet is not yet finalised but one of the primary objectives of the design is to provide improved accessibility for train users including; 
•    Larger wheelchair spaces with easy access from adjacent doors
•    Uncluttered family areas to fit pushchairs and located close to doors
•    A mixture of seating and standing layouts to accommodate diverse passenger needs 
•    Bike stowage areas
•    Wide gangways between carriages to allow ease of movement, create a more open connected feel and a greater feeling of security 
•    USB charging points and Wi-Fi throughout 
•    4 CCTV cameras per car to support passenger safety and security 
•    4 (PIS) Passenger Information System screens per carriage for real time travel information. The Passenger Information System will be fully compatible with the Official Languages Act and will have a clear view from all wheelchair areas and priority seats.

The first units of the 185 carriages already on order from rail manufacturer Alstom, have arrived in Ireland and are going through the rigorous testing, commissioning and safety approvals process that each train must go through before entering service from early 2026 onwards. 

To date, two orders have been placed as part of a framework agreement with rail manufacturer Alstom which provides for up to 750 electric/battery electric carriages over a ten-year period.

Initial units of the new DART+ Fleet will be maintained at existing depots until the new purpose built DART+ Depot facility is built. A site selection process is currently underway to determine the preferred location of the proposed depot. A number of locations for the potential depot site are currently under examination.

Yes, to support the expansion in rail services planned under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 and to meet the infrastructural capacity increases delivered by the DART+ Programme, additional rolling stock is required. 

Ultimately the existing DART fleet will be replaced. The two orders placed to date for DART+ Fleet under the framework agreement with Alstom have been with a view to adding more capacity to existing lines and to serve the infrastructure projects being delivered under the DART+ Programme. It is envisaged that when a third order is placed it will be to replace the existing DART fleet.  

One of the primary objectives of the design of the DART+ Fleet is to provide improved accessibility for train users. 

Spacious vestibules ease passenger flow throughout the train while strategically placed and plentiful grab handles help passengers balance and wait safely for the train to stop. 

Low level flooring and entrance doors reduce the stepping height for passengers and improve access for persons with reduced mobility. A retractable step at every doorway is deployed automatically before the doors open, it moves outwards to minimise the horizontal gap between the train and the platform. This will greatly improve access for persons with reduced mobility and minimise the risk of people falling. 

Inductive hearing loops will be placed strategically throughout the train 4 PIS displays in each carriage will provide transformed customer information on-board, with real-time updates and information from other public transport systems in the Transport for Ireland network. These are designed for sensory impaired customers.