French train maker Alstom has completed the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) level one on the Dundalk to Greystones route as part of Ireland’s rail modernisation.

Spanning approximately 120km, this system overlay integrates safety features and enhanced interoperability across the entire Dublin Area Rapid Transit (Dart) commuter network and beyond, from Dundalk in the north to Greystones in the south.

The project, which has supported more than 50 roles globally – from the design stage in early 2022 to site testing in late 2024 – represents one of Europe’s largest level-one ETCS installations. Delivered in partnership with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), this achievement reinforces Alstom’s commitment to delivering reliable, efficient and safe railways that are tailored to Ireland’s needs.

“The completion of the Dundalk to Greystones ETCS level-one project is a testament to our technical expertise and commitment to enhancing rail safety and efficiency in Ireland,” said Piers Wood, managing director for Ireland at Alstom (www.alstom.com). “This landmark achievement lays the foundation for the future of Irish rail, ensuring safer, smarter and greener transport for passengers. Our teams have worked tirelessly to deliver this milestone, and we are all proud to support Ireland’s journey towards a modernised, sustainable rail network.”

Central to the railway’s digital future, ETCS is a train control standard, based on in-cab equipment, that can supervise train movements, including stopping the train. Information is received from balises in between the rails, of which more than 1200 were installed as part of the work between Dundalk and Greystones.

Equipment – including 337 signals – was provided from Alstom’s trackside portfolio, with more than 450 Micro-Coder lineside electronic units (LEUs) overlayed on legacy equipment to provide enhanced safety and reduce disruption.

An IÉ 22000 Class – 22001 – was fitted out as the trial train. Safety was paramount throughout and the project was completed without a lost time incident (LTI).

This project is undergoing safety approvals with Iarnród Éireann (www.irishrail.ie) and the Commission for Railway Regulation. Once operational, it will support the introduction of Ireland’s next fleet for the Dart+ network.

Alstom has a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail for up to 750 new commuter rail cars as part of the Dart+ programme, with firm orders for 37 five-car X’trapolis trains, including a 15-year support services contract.

Currently being manufactured at Alstom’s Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland, 31 of the ordered trains are battery electric multiple units (BEMUs) – a first for Ireland – while six are electric multiple units (EMUs). The first train from the fleet arrived late last year in Dublin, where it is undergoing testing before entering service.

Dart+ (www.dartplus.ie) aims to ensure train travel is at the heart of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. Funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority, Dart+ is an investment that will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin network – Ireland’s most populous suburban area – facilitating sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in the capital and its surrounding counties.