Alstom has completed the installation and certification of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 on an Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) 22000 Class diesel multiple unit, marking the first Irish train to be fitted with the technology. Train 22001, the Head of Series unit, received Assessment Body (AsBo), Notified Body (NoBo) and Designated Body (DeBo) approvals from independent safety assessor RINA, confirming compliance and safety.
Earlier this year, Alstom delivered approximately 120 km of trackside ETCS infrastructure. The system spans the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter corridor from Dundalk to Greystones, integrating new safety features and enhancing interoperability across the network.
Ireland ETCS: Transition to digital train protection
The ETCS installation is designed to replace legacy Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Continuous Automatic Warning System (CAWS) equipment. Alstom’s European Vital Computer forms the central safety component of the solution, which will be rolled out as standard on the new DART+ fleet.
Julie Williams, Project Manager at Alstom, said: “Successfully completing the ETCS installation and assessment body certification on the Head of Series for the 22000 Class is a proud moment for the entire team. This milestone not only validates the seamless integration of Alstom’s onboard systems with Ireland’s trackside infrastructure, but also demonstrates our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, safety-driven solutions that support the future of Irish rail.”
Peter Smyth, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Iarnród Éireann, added: “Availability of the first ETCS fitted train in Ireland delivered by the Head of Series project has enabled early trackside and trainborne integration testing ahead of the entry to service of the new DART+ fleet. ETCS retrofit projects have proven to be challenging across Europe, however through collaborative working with both teams, the HoS project has reached a significant milestone.”
Preparing for the DART+ fleet
The retrofit has involved more than 50 Alstom staff worldwide, from design to site testing in Ireland. Delivered without a lost-time incident, it represents one of the largest ETCS Level 1 retrofit programmes in Europe.
Alstom holds a ten-year framework agreement with Iarnród Éireann for up to 750 commuter rail cars as part of the DART+ programme. Firm orders include 37 five-car X’trapolis trains supported by a 15-year services contract. Of these, 31 are battery-electric multiple units – the first in Ireland – and six are electric multiple units. The first arrived in Dublin in 2024 and is undergoing testing before entering service in 2026.
DART+ is funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority. The programme will double capacity and triple electrification across the Greater Dublin network, Ireland’s most populous suburban area. It is intended to enhance sustainable mobility, reduce emissions, and support economic and social development across the capital and surrounding counties.
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