Stadler is building trains for the island of Ireland for the first time. Ireland’s railway company Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and Translink NI Railways (NIR) have ordered eight FLIRT Intercity trains from Stadler, including maintenance services. Commencing 2030, the trains will operate services connecting the capitals Dublin and Belfast. The new trains will reduce journey times, increase service frequency on this iconic route and enhance passenger comfort.
The approximately 180-kilometre-long Enterprise railway line connects the Irish capital Dublin with the Northern Irish capital Belfast. The vehicles currently in use will reach the end of their service life in the next few years, resulting in Ireland’s railway company Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and Translink NI Railways (NIR) commissioning Stadler to build eight FLIRT IC trains. The new rolling stock is expected to enter service on the cross-border Intercity route from 2030.
In addition to the construction of the vehicles, the contract includes a maintenance contract for a period of 15 years. Stadler will provide maintenance support to ensure high availability and reliability of the fleet. The scope of services includes technical support, the supply of spare parts, engineering services, technical supervision of maintenance, and staff training.
One extra service per day in each direction
The new trains will reduce the journey time between the two capitals to less than two hours. Which will both increase competitiveness and enable IÉ and NIR to introduce an additional train per day in each direction. With the new trains, there will then be 16 trains running in both directions every day, enabling the two operators to meet the growing demand.
Passengers will enjoy greater comfort thanks to spacious seating areas, Wi-Fi on board, improved catering and a bright, open and modern design. The 200-metre-long trains have 407 seats. They are also completely barrier-free, with step-free access at all exterior passenger doors, reserved seats for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair-accessible toilets.
A multi‑talent for maximum flexibility
The new FLIRT trains are equipped with a diesel-electric and battery driven technology enabling both flexible and efficient seamless operation across different power and grid systems. In non-electrified Northern Ireland, the trains run in the Belfast area using the built-in battery. The diesel engine then takes the vehicles across the border into the Republic of Ireland to the city of Drogheda. From there, the trains are powered by overhead lines and continue to Dublin using electric drive. The switch between the different drive types is completely seamless and unnoticeable to passengers. This makes operation flexible, efficient and environmentally friendly.
The new trains are also designed to transition to dual electric and battery operation between the two countries. The vehicles will then run from Dublin to Drogheda using a 1500 V DC traction system and from Drogheda to Belfast using a 25 kV AC system. If necessary, the battery can still be used to bridge any non-electrified sections of the line. The FLIRT trains are thus paving the way for the two countries’ agreed net-zero strategy for the Dublin–Belfast line.
Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President Service of Stadler said: “With this order, Stadler trains will be operating on the island of Ireland for the first time. The Enterprise connection is a symbol of the close cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We are proud to contribute to the modernisation and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route with our FLIRT trains and comprehensive service packages.”
Ralf Warwel, Sales Director United Kingdom and Ireland of Stadler said: “The new FLIRT trains stand for high levels of comfort and maximum flexibility in cross-border operations. They are perfectly tailored to the specific requirements of the Enterprise line. We would like to thank Iarnród Éireann and Translink NI Railways for their trust and look forward to working closely together on this pioneering project.”
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink said: “Today is about turning long term ambition into delivery. We would like to thank our funders for this investment which will transform the Enterprise experience, delivering a modern, high quality journey that puts accessibility, comfort and passengers at the heart of this vital cross border service. We look forward to working closely with Stadler to deliver this transformative project.”
Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “Iarnród Éireann and Translink are excited to be working with Stadler to be delivering a new chapter for Enterprise. We welcome Stadler Supported by our funders, the new Stadler Enterprise fleet will allow ourselves and Translink to deliver a true flagship service for current and future customers, a seamless cross-border operation delivering the highest standards of customer service, and a new era in accessibility and sustainability for the Dublin / Belfast rail line.”
Project supported by EU funding
This major £548m / €698m cross border investment for new fleet and associated infrastructure, is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, Department for Infrastructure and the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with €165m through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
With the conclusion of the 15-year maintenance contract, Stadler is further strengthening its activities across the UK and Ireland. The Irish Enterprise project builds on Stadler’s established contracts across England, Wales and Scotland. The new trains will join the existing fleet of 275 trains supported by 432 employees in the UK. With this contract, Stadler continues its growth in the region.
