Landmark deal for new Belfast-Dublin Enterprise fleet

A £548 million cross-border investment has been announced by Translink and Iarnród Éireann for a new fleet of Intercity trains, which will increase the frequency of rail journeys between Belfast and Dublin.

The landmark contract with leading Swiss manufacturer Stadler is for a new fleet of eight state-of-the-art Intercity trains for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service.

This major £548 million/€698 million cross border investment for new fleet and associated infrastructure, is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, Department for Infrastructure and the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with €165 million through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the UK Government, the European Union, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

Due for delivery late 2028, the new Intercity trains have been purpose designed for the Enterprise route and will deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience. With around 400 seats, the fleet features include:

• prioritised accessibility via step-free interiors and 100 per cent unaided boarding at every exterior door;
• enhanced customer facilities, including modern digital information systems, power sockets and USB charging points, improved storage; and
• a premium Enterprise Plus section, and a spacious dining/bar area.
  The new Enterprise fleet will also be Ireland’s first tri mode trains, capable of operating on electric, diesel, and battery power. This will reduce emissions, enable quieter journeys, and ensure seamless operation as the line transitions toward full electrification.

With improved acceleration and performance of the fleet and associated infrastructure development, this project will support a target express journey time of under two hours.

The trains will also support expansion to up to 16 services per direction daily, strengthening long-term cross-border economic, cultural, and social connectivity.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA says: “This is a hugely welcome investment and a significant moment for one of our island’s most important transport links. We are already seeing more people choosing the Belfast to Dublin rail service, helping to grow our thriving all-island economy, and strengthen connections between communities. This new fleet will improve services, enhance the passenger experience, and deliver benefits for people and places right across the island.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA says: “It is vital that our public transport infrastructure meets the modern needs of people and businesses in both Northern Ireland and the Republic, so this investment is an extremely positive development. The introduction of these new trains with a range of modern customer facilities will be welcomed by businesses, commuters, and visitors alike. This significant investment will bring a range of benefits by connecting people to jobs, education and our fantastic tourism offering in Northern Ireland.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD says: “Acquisition of a new fleet of trains for the Enterprise Service heralds a significant new chapter for cross-border rail connectivity on the island of Ireland. The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor is already home to over two million people and the new Enterprise fleet will support the Corridor to become even more connected, prosperous, and sustainable in the years ahead.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP says: “The UK Government is proud to be providing more than £730 million to the current six-year PEACEPLUS programme, and I welcome the significant contribution that PEACEPLUS has chosen to make towards a new fleet of trains for the Belfast-Dublin rail service.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris TD said: “The Dublin to Belfast corridor is the largest economic area on the island, home to over 2.2 million people and linking the two largest cities and several of the largest towns on the island. The Government is committed to supporting and developing the economic potential of the corridor. Delivery of this project will allow for the sustainable growth of cities and towns along the corridor by providing ease of access and thereby increasing attractiveness for residency and work.”

Welcoming this milestone for the Enterprise Fleet, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “I am delighted to be part of this momentous occasion to celebrate the overall investment of £548 million, of which over £200 million is being provided by my Department. This represents investing with confidence in a modern, sustainable, and connected transport future. It demonstrates our intent on delivery and our commitment to connecting communities, supporting the economy, developing tourism and most importantly of all modernising and improving services for the travelling public.”

Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD says: “This rail investment reflects Ireland’s commitment to investing in public transport. The new Enterprise fleet will set a new benchmark for intercity accessibility and comfort, ensuring that passengers with all sorts of mobility needs can travel with confidence and ease. By modernising this vital cross border link, we are improving the everyday experience of public transport users and strengthening sustainable connectivity across the island.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre says: “PEACEPLUS is proud to contribute €165 million to shaping strategic systems that will serve people, communities, and economies across this island for generations to come, clearly demonstrating that peace is no longer treated as distinct from opportunity. This cross-border project reflects collaboration at its best. Governments, agencies, and delivery partners north and south have aligned around a common purpose.”

Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, Translink, says: “Today is about turning long term ambition into delivery. We would like to thank our funders for this investment which will transform the Enterprise experience, delivering a modern, high quality journey that puts accessibility, comfort and passengers at the heart of this vital cross border service.”

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine says: “Iarnród Éireann has a strong and longstanding partnership with Translink in delivering the cross-border Enterprise service, and we are excited to begin this new chapter for Enterprise. Supported by our funders, the new Stadler Enterprise fleet will allow ourselves and Translink to deliver a true flagship service for current and future customers, a seamless cross-border operation delivering the highest standards of customer service, and a new era in accessibility and sustainability for the Dublin-Belfast rail line.”

Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President, Service Division, Stadler, says: “With this order, Stadler trains will be operating on the island of Ireland for the first time. The Enterprise connection is a symbol of close co-operation. We are proud to contribute to the modernisation and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route with our FLIRT trains and comprehensive service packages.”

For more information visit:

W: www.translink.co.uk/newenterprisetrains