Friday, July 4, 2025
Irish Rail is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, with a major focus on modernising its fleet, infrastructure, and overall service delivery. This ambitious transformation is the result of a massive investment that aims to reshape Ireland’s public transport network for the future. John Healy, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), described the ongoing upgrades as a monumental challenge, likening it to “carrying out open-heart surgery on a patient, but that patient needs to be active at the same time.” This challenge is something Healy is well-equipped to tackle, given his extensive experience managing London’s Tube network, which, at its peak, handled over five million passengers a day.
The task at hand is to bring about profound changes to a system that has long been a backbone of Irish transport but is in dire need of modernisation. The aim is to provide a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable rail network that serves not only commuters but also the wider public and economy. As one of the most critical infrastructure projects in Ireland, the transformation comes at a time when rail travel is becoming increasingly important due to environmental concerns, urbanisation, and growing public demand for sustainable transportation options.
The Dart+ Fleet: Ireland’s Future in Motion
A cornerstone of this transformation is the new Dart+ fleet, a set of 37 electric and battery-electric trains that have been designed and built by Alstom in Poland. These trains are not just about offering more capacity, but also a greener, more efficient alternative to the current network. The first five-carriage trains were unveiled in late 2023, and they are now undergoing rigorous testing before their scheduled launch in January 2026. This new fleet is at the heart of the Dart+ expansions, which will extend services to Maynooth, Drogheda, and Hazelhatch.
The investment in Dart+ is substantial, with a total of 1 billion euros allocated to this project. This makes it the largest and greenest public transport investment in Ireland’s history. The trains will provide significant improvements in accessibility, offering features such as wider gangways, family-friendly areas, bike spaces, and USB charging ports. These trains are designed to be more passenger-friendly, making rail travel a more convenient and attractive option for commuters across the country. This modernisation of the fleet is set to revolutionise the daily commute for thousands of Irish passengers.
In addition to improving capacity, the new trains will significantly reduce the environmental impact of public transport in Ireland. As the world faces increasing pressure to tackle climate change, the switch to electric and battery-electric trains represents a key step in Ireland’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The Dart+ project aims to contribute to this effort by providing a sustainable and efficient public transport alternative, aligned with global goals for a greener future.
Balancing Service and Infrastructure Challenges
While the fleet upgrade is a major step forward, Irish Rail is also facing substantial challenges when it comes to infrastructure. Healy acknowledges that while the introduction of new trains is a vital step in modernising the network, infrastructure limitations remain a significant hurdle. In particular, large parts of the country are still reliant on single-track lines, which can cause delays and bottlenecks in service.
“If I could wave a magic wand, I’d four-track the line between Connolly and Malahide, and double the tracks west of Heuston,” Healy said in an interview. “Even one issue on a single-track line can halt the entire service.” The limitations imposed by outdated infrastructure continue to disrupt service, particularly during periods of high demand. Although Irish Rail has made significant progress in addressing these issues, the challenge of modernising the network’s infrastructure will take time, money, and careful planning.
One area of particular concern is the management of large-scale events, which place significant strain on the rail network. During concerts and sporting fixtures, Irish Rail has had to deploy additional staff and trains to meet demand. This has meant coordinating with the National Transport Authority (NTA), gardaí, and other partners to ensure smooth operations. Healy notes that the control centre at Connolly provides real-time oversight, allowing Irish Rail to react quickly to issues and provide additional trains and staff where needed. However, these events continue to test the network, and Irish Rail is constantly looking for ways to improve its capacity to deal with such high-demand scenarios.
Improving Accessibility for All Passengers
Another key aspect of the ongoing transformation is Irish Rail’s commitment to improving accessibility for all passengers, particularly those with disabilities. The company has introduced a range of measures to ensure that the network is more inclusive and accessible to a wider demographic. This includes the introduction of sensory packs for passengers with sensory sensitivities, as well as the reduction of notice periods for assistance. Furthermore, Irish Rail has invested in training frontline staff in sign language and dementia awareness to better serve passengers who may require additional help.
However, there are still challenges in this area. Not all stations are fully accessible, and some of the rolling stock remains outdated. Irish Rail is working to address these issues as part of its broader modernisation plan, but achieving full accessibility across the network will take time and ongoing investment. Healy acknowledges these limitations but remains optimistic about the progress being made.
The Future of Irish Rail: A Vision of Growth and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Healy is optimistic about the future of Irish Rail. The record funding being allocated to the project is a sign of the government’s commitment to improving public transport in Ireland. While Healy is aware that the challenges ahead are significant, he believes that the investments being made now will lay the foundation for a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible rail network in the years to come.
“We’ve got record funding coming into Irish Rail,” Healy said. “It won’t solve everything overnight, but it lets us begin addressing the real challenges.” With the backing of government funding and support, Irish Rail is well-positioned to modernise its infrastructure and fleet over the coming years, ultimately providing better service to passengers across the country.
The investment in Dart+ and other modernisation projects is part of a larger push to meet the growing demand for public transport in Ireland. As the population continues to grow and urbanisation increases, the need for a modern, sustainable rail network becomes ever more urgent. The changes being implemented today are laying the groundwork for the future of public transport in Ireland, ensuring that the network is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Conclusion
The transformation of Irish Rail is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects the country has ever seen. With a focus on new trains, improved accessibility, and modernisation of the network, Irish Rail is well on its way to becoming a more efficient, sustainable, and passenger-friendly service. John Healy’s leadership, combined with the substantial investments being made, will ensure that the company is able to meet the needs of passengers for years to come. While there are challenges along the way, the progress being made is a testament to Ireland’s commitment to improving its public transport system and ensuring that it plays a vital role in the country’s sustainable future.
Sources: Irish Rail, National Transport Authority (NTA), Department of Transport, Government of Ireland, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
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