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Alstom awarded €95 million signalling contracts to equip Ireland's national rail fleet with ETCS

Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed contracts with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) to deliver the onboard deployment of the European Train Control System (ETCS) across Ireland's existing national rail fleet.

The contracts, valued at approximately €95 million, cover the design, manufacture, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of ETCS Level 1 onboard equipment for up to 176 vehicles operated by Irish Rail.

The programme forms a key element of Ireland's Train Protection System (TPS) National Rollout Programme, which will progressively introduce ETCS as the country’s principal signalling technology. 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.

The contracts were signed in Dublin on Tuesday 13 October between Andrew DeLeone, Europe Region President at Alstom, and Mary Considine, Chief Executive Officer at Iarnród Éireann.

“These contracts mark an important milestone in Ireland’s railway modernisation journey and reinforce Alstom's long-term commitment to the Irish rail sector. Building on our successful delivery of Ireland’s first ETCS-equipped train and the initial ETCS trackside deployment, we are proud to continue working alongside Iarnród Éireann to deliver a safer, more reliable and more sustainable railway for passengers across the country,” said Andrew DeLeone, Europe Region President at Alstom.

He added: “These awards reflect the confidence that Iarnród Éireann places in Alstom and our ability to support the digital transformation of the national network over the long term. As we continue to invest in Ireland, the programme will help grow our local footprint, creating highly skilled jobs, developing future talent and expanding opportunities for graduates and apprentices.”

Under the agreements, Alstom will equip up to seven fleet types with ETCS technology, including 22000 Class InterCity Railcar (ICR), 29000 Class, DART 8500 Class, 2800 Class, 2600 Class, 201 Class, Mark 4 Driving Van Trailer (DVT) and an option covering 071 Class locomotives.

The programme includes the development of prototype ‘Head of Series’ vehicles for each type, followed by fleet-wide deployment, system integration, testing, safety assurance and vehicle authorisation activities required for passenger service operation.

“The contract with Alstom to retrofit our existing train fleet with a Class A European Train Control System – ETCS – Level 1 onboard solution is a major milestone in our Train Protection System Programme,” said Mary Considine, Chief Executive Officer at Iarnród Éireann.

She added: “This is a programme of work which will further strengthen safety on Ireland’s railways, delivering the ETCS European train control standard, based on in-cab equipment that can supervise train movements, including stopping the train. Iarnród Éireann is continuing to progress the tender process for the TPS Trackside National Rollout, with contract award targeted for mid-2027.”

The onboard installation programme will be delivered from dedicated facilities in Dublin and supported by Alstom’s global ETCS expertise. The company is one of the world's leading suppliers of ETCS technology, with solutions deployed across mainline, suburban and high-speed railway networks throughout Europe and beyond.

The contracts build on Alstom's previous ETCS work in Ireland, including the successful certification of ETCS Level 1 on vehicle No. 22001, the Head of Series for the 22000 Class fleet, and the delivery of approximately 120 kilometres of ETCS trackside infrastructure between Dundalk and Greystones. Those achievements established the foundations of Ireland's ETCS programme and enabled the early testing of the country's next-generation DART+ fleet, which is currently being manufactured by Alstom.

The new contracts focus on retrofitting Ireland's existing train fleet. However, Alstom's new 90000 Class and 80000 Class X'trapolis DART+ trains – which will enter passenger service across Greater Dublin from next year – are being delivered with the same ETCS technology integrated as standard under separate rolling stock contracts.

As Ireland continues to invest in sustainable mobility and rail infrastructure, the ETCS National Rollout Programme will play a central role in creating a safer, more reliable and more efficient railway for future generations.