Stadler to supply new electro-diesel trains for Dublin Belfast service

Stadler, a Switzerland-based train manufacturer, has been chosen by Ireland’s Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland’s Translink to supply eight electro-diesel trainsets for the Dublin–Belfast Enterprise service. 

The contract also includes simulators and a separate 15-year service and support maintenance agreement, extendable by another 15 years.

The selection followed a competitive process with three bidders. Legal delays occurred when rival CAF launched a challenge during the standstill period, which was lifted by the High Court in Dublin on 26 November. The court noted the time-critical importance of securing EU funding and addressing emissions and accessibility requirements.

The new trains will operate on Stadler’s proven Flirt platform. They are designed to run on 1.5 kV DC electrification out of Dublin and in diesel mode elsewhere, with onboard traction batteries enabling short-distance operations around Belfast’s Grand Central station and York Road depot, the fleet’s main maintenance facility.

Passenger facilities will include articulated pairs, wide mid-vehicle doors with movable steps for level boarding, low-floor areas, six wheelchair spaces, eight toilets, and six reservable bike spaces. Seating will be a mix of bay and unidirectional arrangements. Catering will provide at-seat hot meals in first class and bar-bistro and trolley services in standard class.

The trains will feature ETCS and the UK TPWS safety systems, selective door opening, 22 external CCTV cameras, and centrally located cabs with a second-person seat. Delivery of the first sets for testing is expected in 2028, with entry into service in 2030, allowing the withdrawal of existing Class 201 locomotives and De Dietrich coaches.

New trainsets are on track for cross-border service in 2030 with full operational capability.

Explore the full details of Stadler’s procurement and technical specifications in the complete report.

(Photo credits to Feljin Jose's LinkedIn)