Alstom’s ETCS Level 1 Retrofit on Irish Rail 22000

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Introduction

Alstom has completed the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 installation and certification on Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) 22000 Class diesel multiple unit 22001, the first Irish train to be fitted with the technology. The system spans the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter corridor from Dundalk to Greystones.

ETCS Level 1 Certification

The 22001 unit received Assessment Body (AsBo), Notified Body (NoBo), and Designated Body (DeBo) approvals from RINA. Earlier in the year, Alstom delivered approximately 120 km of trackside ETCS infrastructure. 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.

Project Collaboration

Julie Williams, Project Manager at Alstom, highlighted the successful completion of the ETCS installation and assessment body certification on the Head of Series for the 22000 Class. Peter Smyth, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Iarnród Éireann, noted that the availability of the first ETCS-fitted train enabled early trackside and trainborne integration testing ahead of the new DART+ fleet’s entry into service. The retrofit involved more than 50 Alstom staff worldwide, from design to site testing in Ireland.

Retrofit Program

The retrofit, delivered without a lost-time incident, 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 train arrived in Dublin in 2024 and is undergoing testing before entering service in 2026.

DART+ Programme Details

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. It is intended to enhance sustainable mobility, reduce emissions, and support economic and social development across the capital and surrounding counties.

Conclusion

Alstom has successfully installed and certified ETCS Level 1 on the first Irish train, a 22000 Class diesel multiple unit, marking a key step in the DART+ programme. The project involved extensive collaboration and is part of a larger effort to modernize the Dublin area rail network.

Company Summary

Alstom: Alstom holds a ten-year framework agreement with Iarnród Éireann for up to 750 commuter rail cars as part of the DART+ programme. They have completed the installation and certification of ETCS Level 1 on the first Irish train.

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail): Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) is the national railway operator of Ireland. They are implementing the DART+ programme and have collaborated with Alstom on the ETCS Level 1 retrofit.

Technology

ETCS Level 1: The European Train Control System Level 1 is a train protection system. Alstom has completed the installation and certification of the ETCS Level 1 on an Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) 22000 Class diesel multiple unit. The system spans the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter corridor from Dundalk to Greystones.

ATP: Automatic Train Protection is a legacy equipment that the ETCS installation is designed to replace.

CAWS: Continuous Automatic Warning System is a legacy equipment that the ETCS installation is designed to replace.

X’trapolis: Five-car X’trapolis trains supported by a 15-year services contract, 31 are battery-electric multiple units – the first in Ireland – and six are electric multiple units.

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