Ireland's first train installed with ETCS signalling by Alstom

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has successfully completed the installation and assessment body certification of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 on the Head of Series (HoS) for the IÉ 22000 Class, marking a significant milestone in Ireland's rail modernisation.

The train – 22001 – has received Assessment Body (AsBo), Notified Body (NoBo) and Designated Body (DeBo) certificates from the Independent Safety Assessor (RINA), providing independent validation of the safety and compliance of the design developed by Alstom and its partners.

Earlier this year, Alstom also installed trackside infrastructure – spanning approximately 120km – for the ETCS installation. This system overlay integrates new 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 primary objective of the HoS project is to demonstrate that Alstom's European Vital Computer (EVC) serves as the central safety component within the ETCS solution. This system is intended to become the main train protection system, replacing the legacy Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Continuous Automatic Warning System (CAWS) solutions. This advancement will support the roll-out of Ireland's new Alstom-built DART+ fleet, which will be delivered with ETCS installed as standard.

"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," said Julie Williams, Project Manager at Alstom.

She added: "It sets a strong foundation for the rollout of the new DART+ fleet and reinforces our dedication to innovation and excellence in rail modernisation."

The project has supported more than 50 Alstom roles globally, from the design stage to site testing in Ireland. It has been delivered in partnership with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) and represents one of Europe's largest Level 1 ETCS installations.

"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. This is an important milestone for both projects. 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," said Peter Smyth, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Iarnród Éireann.

Central to the railway's digital future, ETCS is a train control standard, based on in-cab equipment that is able to supervise train movements, including stopping the train. Safety was paramount throughout, and the project was completed without a lost time incident (LTI).

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 in Dublin in 2024, where it is undergoing testing before entering service next year.

DART+ is the transformative programme that will 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.

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