£550m Belfast-Dublin rail service investment will see new trains doing 16 services per direction daily
Plan for two hour express train time on trains capable of operating on electric, diesel and battery power
A £550 million (700 million euro) cross-border investment deal will deliver a more reliable and comfortable rail service between Belfast and Dublin, operators have said.
The plan, which will see the delivery of eight new intercity Stadler trains by late 2028, was unveiled at a signing ceremony at Belfast Grand Central Station on Thursday.
Translink said it will “deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience”, with trains due to enter passenger service after a period of testing and commissioning in 2030.
There will be up to 16 services per direction daily with a target express journey time of under two hours, due to increased acceleration and performance.
With around 400 seats, the trains’ features include step-free interiors and unaided boarding on exterior doors, enhanced customer facilities like USB charging points and power sockets, and a spacious dining and bar area.
Translink said the tri-mode capability of the trains – capable of operating on electric, diesel and battery power – will reduce emissions, enable quieter journeys and ensure “seamless operation” as the Belfast–Dublin line transitions towards “full electrification”.
The improvement to the rail service is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government of Ireland, and includes 165 million euro (£140 million) in funding through PeacePlus – an initiative also involving the UK Government and the European Union.
Republic of Ireland Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien and Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins formally signed the contract with Swiss manufacturer Stadler on Thursday.
The signing ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris as well as Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Emma Little-Pengelly.
Noting the the Dublin-Belfast “economic corridor” is home to more than two million people, Mr Martin said the deal “heralds a significant new chapter for cross-border rail connectivity on the island of Ireland”.
He also told the ceremony there will be additional investment in Northern Ireland’s rail network through the Shared Island Fund “to be announced shortly”.
Ms O’Neill said the new fleet will improve services and deliver benefits for people across the island: “This is an investment in our future that will create new jobs, more opportunities and more sustainable travel for years to come.”
Ms Little-Pengelly said: “This significant investment will bring a range of benefits by connecting people to jobs, education and our fantastic tourism offering here in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Harris said the Irish Government is “committed to supporting and developing the economic potential” of the Dublin-Belfast corridor, adding that the project will allow for the sustainable growth of cities and towns along the route.
