Project Specific FAQs

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.

We’re investing in both electric and battery/electric powered trains that will allow us to make full use of the existing infrastructure while electrification is being progressed.
The first order under the framework will consist of 13 x 5 car BEMUs (Battery Electric Multiple Units) and 6 x 5 car EMUs (Electric Multiple Units). This will deliver 95 vehicles from the framework limit of 750 vehicles. 
Iarnród Éireann expect to take delivery of this initial order from mid-2024 and enter service in 2025.

To provide for additional capacity and improve train accessibility, the new units will not be delivered with toilets on-board.

The majority of proposed works and interventions are expected to be carried out within the existing railway corridor boundary. Some works relating to the provision of new electrical substations, bridge modifications, and construction compounds have been identified as being required outside of the existing boundary.

Details of locations where works are required outside of the existing railway corridor, such as at substations or construction compound locations, can be found in the Public Consultation No.2 published supporting documentation available through the project website www.dartplus.ie. Relevant documents include:

• DART+ Coastal North Brochure;
• DART+ Coastal North Option Selection - Preferred Option Report; and
• Annex 1 Schematic Layout Drawings.

If your property is likely to be directly affected by the works you should already have heard from us. Our Community Liaison Officer will be available throughout the process to ensure you are regularly updated on the current proposals and your views are taken into consideration as we progress the design.

A detailed construction strategy has been prepared, which includes programming, phasing and construction methodologies for the proposed DART+ Coastal North project works and information in respect of the proposed construction strategy is provided in the Public Consultation No.2 supporting documentation, available on the project website at www.dartplus.ie. This strategy has been developed in close consultation with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) team, to ensure that construction impacts are clearly identified and avoided or minimised where possible. A Construction Environmental Management Plan and Traffic Impact Assessment is being prepared to accompany the RO application, setting out the measures to be taken during construction to ensure against significant effects on the environment. The construction impacts will be comprehensively analysed and assessed in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and in the Appropriate Assessment documentation, to provide sufficient information for the competent authority to reach its reasoned conclusions on the potential effects of the project on the environment, and on European sites.