Project Specific FAQs

Yes, to support the expansion in rail services planned under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 and to meet the infrastructural capacity increases delivered by the DART+ Programme, additional rolling stock is required. 

Maintenance of the 8100 fleet will continue at Fairview until the fleet is withdrawn from service. Maintenance of the new DART+ fleet and the maintenance of the 8500 fleet will transfer to a new purpose-built facility west of Maynooth to be delivered as part of the DART+ West project. 

The existing DART fleet is made up of 2 sub fleets. The original 8100 fleet that entered service in 1984 will be phased out over time due to its age. The 8500 fleet that entered service between 2001 and 2005 will continue in service.
 

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.