Market process to help deliver DART+ Programme underway

Iarnród Éireann has advertised to commence the formal market engagement to help deliver the transformative DART+ Programme, which will double the passenger capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area rail network.

The company has advertised pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) for two design and build single supplier frameworks to be used across the entire DART+ Programme, for:

• Electrification of the extended DART+ network
• Civil and structural works

In addition, three specific standalone PQQ notices for Design and Build works have been advertised, for:

• Rail systems for DART+ SouthWest, incorporating four-tracking between ParkWest and Heuston Station, and the remodelling of the Heuston Station track layout
• The new Spencer Dock Station in Dublin city centre
• Connolly Station works, including the development of a new station entrance at Preston Street

A further framework PQQ process for signalling works for the DART+ Programme is planned, as well as a PQQ for the DART+ Depot, which is being progressed under a separate Railway Order.

DART+ is a transformative programme of projects that will double the passenger capacity for rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), from 26,000 passenger journeys per direction per hour to 52,000. The DART network will increase from 50 kilometres to 150 kilometres, extending to Maynooth/M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch and Drogheda - transforming train travel across the Dublin commuter belt. It will provide a sustainable, electrified, reliable and more frequent rail service improving capacity in all rail corridors serving Dublin, bringing DART travel with all its benefits to new and existing communities. The provision of a new electrified fleet will improve capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With two Railway Orders received for DART+ West, and DART+ South West, enabling works are expected to commence in 2026 for DART+ infrastructure.  Contract awards are targeted for the end of 2026 for the work programmes advertised this week through the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), subject to funding and approval.

The DART+ Programme is being developed and promoted by Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and National Transport Authority (NTA) to meet the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP), the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.

In addition to the infrastructure development, 185 carriages have been ordered for the DART+ Fleet, with up to 750 in total possible under a framework contract with French fleet manufacturer Alstom.  The first ten carriages, made up of two five-carriage trains, have been delivered, and have commenced the testing, commissioning and regulatory process, and are expected to begin entering service during 2026.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said:

“With two Railway Order approvals from An Bord Pleanála, and a decision awaited on a third, we have reached another milestone in the transformative DART+ Programme as we advertise to the market to help deliver these major works.  Doubling the passenger capacity and trebling the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network will allow so many more commuters choose rail, as the backbone of our sustainable transport network.”

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD welcomed this latest milestone in the DART+ Programme, saying: 

“The DART+ Programme is central to our commitments under the Programme for Government to develop a strategic public transport network, specifically o provide the capacity and electrification to serve new and existing communities for generations to come.  With DART+ trains already in testing, and infrastructure enabling works beginning in 2026, we are firmly into the delivery phase of an investment that will make a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of commuters daily.”