Project Specific FAQs

It is currently proposed to use the battery electric trains on the northern line between Drogheda and Dublin City Centre. They will allow us to make full use of existing infrastructure and provide the necessary capacity and frequency uplift on this line while electrification is being progressed. 
 

The electric DART trains will be interoperable across all lines where an overhead electrified line exists. This will be from the City Centre to Maynooth, M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch/Celbridge, and Greystones. 
The first order of electric DART trains will be used to provide additional capacity on the existing DART network at peak times.  
The second order will operate to Maynooth through the DART+ West Project following commissioning of the required infrastructure upgrades.
Subsequent orders will operate via DART+ South West to Hazelhatch/Celbridge as well as be used to increase capacity across the overall network.

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.