Alstom completes one of Europe’s largest Level 1 ETCS installation for Ireland
Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has achieved a major milestone in Ireland’s rail modernization by completing the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 on the Dundalk to Greystones route. Spanning approximately 120 km, this transformative project is one of Europe’s largest ETCS Level 1 installations and marks a significant leap forward in advancing safety, reliability, and efficiency in Irish rail.
The newly implemented system overlays advanced safety and interoperability features across the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter network. The route now benefits from cutting-edge train control technology, supporting Ireland’s journey to a safer, smarter, and greener rail network.
“The completion of the Dundalk to Greystones ETCS Level 1 project is a testament to our technical expertise and commitment to enhancing rail safety and efficiency in Ireland. This landmark achievement lays the foundation for the future of Irish rail, ensuring safer, smarter and greener transport for passengers,” said Piers Wood, Managing Director for Ireland at Alstom.
He added: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to deliver this milestone, and we are all proud to support Ireland’s journey towards a modernised, sustainable rail network.”
Modernizing Irish Rail with Advanced Technology
The project, completed in partnership with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), involved the installation of over 1,200 balises between rails and 337 signals from Alstom’s globally proven trackside portfolio. The integration also included more than 450 Micro-Coder lineside electronic units (LEUs), which were overlaid on legacy equipment to improve safety while minimizing disruption.
All equipment was configured, installed, and tested within one year, between October 2024 and November 2024. The trial phase involved fitting out an IÉ 22000 Class – 22001 – as the trial train. Throughout the project, safety remained a top priority, and the work was completed without a single lost time incident (LTI).
The system is now undergoing safety approvals with Iarnród Éireann and the Commission for Railway Regulation. Once operational, the project will play a crucial role in supporting the introduction of Ireland’s next-generation fleet under the ambitious DART+ program.
A Vision for DART+ and Sustainable Rail
As part of a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail, Alstom will deliver up to 750 new commuter rail cars for the DART+ program, a transformative initiative funded under Ireland’s National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority. This investment aims to double the capacity and triple the electrification of the Greater Dublin area, enhancing sustainable mobility in Ireland’s most populous suburban region.
Alstom has already placed firm orders for 37 five-car X’trapolis trains, which include a 15-year support services contract. Of these, 31 will be battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) – a first for Ireland – while six will be Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). The first of these new trains, currently being manufactured at Alstom’s Chorzów facility in Poland, arrived in Dublin in November 2024 and is undergoing testing before entering service next year.
Transformational Impact on Ireland’s Rail Network
The completion of the ETCS Level 1 installation aligns perfectly with the DART+ program’s goals, ensuring that train travel takes center stage in Ireland’s sustainable transport network. By modernizing and expanding rail infrastructure, DART+ is set to improve quality of life in Dublin and its surrounding counties, enabling seamless and environmentally friendly transit options.
ETCS technology is central to the railway’s digital future. Using in-cab equipment, it supervises train movements and enhances safety by receiving critical information from balises installed between the tracks. The Dundalk-Greystones project, with its advanced safety features and innovative solutions, represents a significant step forward in shaping the future of Irish rail.
