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A prototype of the new DART+ carriages. One similar to this was damaged with graffiti in Drogheda this week.
Irish Rail have confirmed that the graffiti was reported to Gardaí
Iarnród Éireann have confirmed that one of its new DART+ trains were damaged whilst in Drogheda for programmed testing during the week.
In a statement given to LMFM News the operator says the incident has been reported to Gardaí
A spokesperson for the company said ” One of the new DART+ carriages did suffer some graffiti damage whilst in Drogheda for programmed testing during the week. As is standard procedure, photographs were taken of the damage, and the incident was reported to Gardai. The unit was immediately cleaned before re-entering the testing schedule. There is CCTV on site and added physical security whenever one of the units is on site for testing.
“Iarnród Éireann, supported by the NTA, have to date invested €670 million and ordered 285 new carriages under the DART+ Fleet framework agreement with manufacturer Alstom, which provides for a maximum of 750 DART vehicles over a 10-year period. The units, currently undergoing a rigorous testing, commissioning and safety approvals programme, will be a mix of Battery Electric (BEMU) and fully electric (EMU) carriages and will begin entering service, on the Northern line to Drogheda, in 2027. Investing in both electric and battery/electric powered trains means an accelerated delivery of capacity and service frequency uplift for customers, making the most of existing infrastructure while electrification is being progressed.
A key feature is the low-level floors and wide doorways with sliding steps which enable easy access and good passenger flow. These new trains offer the ability for the majority of passengers (including passengers of reduced mobility) to board and alight unassisted.”
LMFM has contacted An Garda Síochana for comment.
