DART+ (DART Expansion)

Alstom own the trains until such time all the required safety certifications are completed. Not just Irish Rail, the CRR will also evaluate and review and issue the certifications.

All running is done currently under engineering possession as the train type is not approved for the network. Its an electric train so there is also a electromagnetic compatibility to be confirmed, e.g its doesn't cause the signalling system to go crazy.

For the Mk4's there was nothing wrong with the specification, and to be honest its doubtful any manufacturer could have met the ride spec. Irish Rail just didn't manage the project as well as is could have been. The 29000 fleet project management was very good, quality etc. The legal people did get involved.

January 2026 was the last official date, although “early 2026” was said too, so that’s any time up to May/June next year I suppose.. The necessary signalling infrastructure is almost done. The trains seem to be doing well too. As mentioned in the video (posted on the previous page), the next step is to test on overhead power, and also to test the charging system at Drogheda; that’s expected to be complete “by the end of this year”, so January is actually a possibility.

Where will they be charging them when they are running on battery? My understanding is that they won't be charging on the OHLE while on their way to / from Malahide? Is there charging facilities in Fairview?

They will be charged at Drogheda but the charger isn't ready just yet.

So they will charge at Inchicore and then come over to Connolly, pan up to Malahide, battery to Drogheda, crucially, while Drogheda is not ready, no charge there and then back to Malahide by battery.

Then again, pan up, but no charge.

Can they do a second run to Drogheda?

Basically, they won’t be getting much mileage accumulation until they get the fast charge in Drogheda functioning.

Or just run them along on OHLE for longer? With the congested network this will have to be at night.

I thought there was a safety system in place to stop the doors opening on the wrong side on these trains. 🤣

First of the DART+ tenders looks to be published:

This is a pre qualification so they have a list of contractors signed up ready to roll and thus can perform a shorter tendering process once they can proceed with works.

Any idea on what kind of "engineering" works are happening between the grand canal and greystones on May's public holiday?

Also, are the new DART cars going to ditch the overhead cables?

The batteries are intended as a temporary measure to get around the glacially slow Irish planning system. It is hoped that by the time the batteries reach their end of life, the OHLE will have been extended to where it needs to be.

Probably fairly standard periodic maintenance, they recently re-laid the track over the loop line bridge, so maybe a continuation of that work?

Electrification works will be much more significant and likely take place over a much longer period of time than 4 days

Also continuing work on the new station at Woodbrook (though it looks like it's nearing completion).

When will a decision be made on the preferred site?

The options assessment is underway and it is hoped to have identified a preferred site in Spring 2025

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Any update on the depot, are there any hints about the preferred location?