Ireland Orders Third DART Fleet for €670m
Ireland orders third DART train fleet for €670m to replace 40-year-old carriages
Ireland Orders Third DART Fleet for €670m
Dublin commuters will see new trains replacing the original 1984 DART fleet as Ireland announced a third carriage order Sunday. The investment brings total fleet spending to €670 million across three orders since 2021, transit officials said. Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, called it "a significant milestone in our fleet modernisation programme."
Replacing Four Decades of Service
The new carriages will replace Ireland's original DART fleet that's been running since 1984, now 40 years old. The orders are part of the broader DART+ Programme, which includes electrifying additional rail lines and upgrading infrastructure across the Greater Dublin Area, according to Transport for Ireland. Officials said the investment demonstrates the government's commitment to transforming public transport. The announcement didn't specify how many carriages the third order includes or how the €670 million breaks down across the three separate orders.
Part of Multi-Year Modernization
Ireland placed its first DART+ carriage order in 2021, followed by a second order in 2023. The third order announced December 22 completes the procurement phase of the fleet replacement program, transit officials said. While the total investment across all three orders reaches €670 million, officials haven't disclosed individual order costs. The manufacturer of the new carriages also wasn't announced. Meade said the investment will "provide our customers with modern, comfortable and reliable services for decades to come."
Delivery Timeline Not Yet Set
Officials haven't announced when the new carriages will be delivered or enter passenger service. Transit agencies typically release detailed timelines closer to manufacturing completion, and some procurement details may remain commercially sensitive. The phased approach across three orders suggests deliveries will be staggered to allow for testing and gradual fleet replacement. Current ridership figures for the DART service weren't available.
Modernizing Dublin's Commuter Rail
The aging 1984 fleet has served Dublin-area commuters for four decades, but modern trains offer improved reliability, accessibility, and passenger comfort. Officials said riders can expect enhanced safety features and better service once the new carriages enter operation. Moovit provides real-time DART schedules and service updates for Dublin commuters. The DART+ Programme represents one of Ireland's largest public transport infrastructure investments in recent years.
