Alstom secures further Irish order

Alstom has secured a further order worth 160 million euros to supply trains to Irish Rail.

It will see the firm, which has its UK train manufacturing site in Derby, provide an extra 18 X’trapolis battery-electric trains to the rail operator.

The further order is part of a 10-year framework agreement signed last year, which allows for up to 750 electric and battery-electric rail cars to be procured for the DART+ network, which is planned to open in 2025.

In total, Irish Rail has now ordered 37 five-car X’trapolis trains from Alstom, which will deliver more capacity and decarbonisation benefits once they enter service from 2025.

Under the framework agreement, Alstom will also provide a range of services solutions, including a technical support and spares.

Nick Crossfield, managing director of Alstom UK and Ireland, said: “This further order of X’trapolis trains signals Irish Rail’s intent to move quickly in greening the Greater Dublin commuter network, Ireland’s most populated commuter belt as a first step in that national transformation.

“As the world’s leading innovator and supplier of green mobility solutions, Alstom is here for the long-term to support Ireland in delivering transformative change to its citizens through sustainable rail travel.

Jim Meade, chief executive of Irish Rail, said: “We’re excited to continue to work with Alstom to deliver expanded services in the Greater Dublin Area, enhanced facilities for our customers, and a cleaner environment for our country.”