Tag: Trains

Iarnród Éireann launches HVO fuel pilot on Cork commuter fleet

Iarnród Éireann has launched a new renewable fuel pilot on its commuter fleet, as part of its ongoing programme to reduce carbon emissions across the national rail network.

The trial will use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – a renewable diesel alternative produced from vegetable oils and waste fats – to power two formerly diesel-fuelled trains on the Cork commuter network. HVO can cut emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, serving as a drop-in replacement without the need for significant engine modifications.

The trial, which and will run until June, is expected to use approximately 100,000 litres of ethically sourced HVO. Each of the trains currently consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 litres of diesel per week; at a similar burn rate on HVO, the pilot period is projected to cover 12 to 16 weeks of operation.

Performance and reliability during the trial will be closely monitored to assess the potential for wider deployment of HVO across the fleet.

The pilot will see two 2600 Class diesel multiple units (DMUs) operate exclusively on HVO over the coming months, replacing conventional diesel on selected services. Commuters will be able to spot one of these trains thanks to HVO decals on the exterior of the carriages.

Iarnród Éireann’s Climate Action Plan commits to introducing HVO across its diesel fleet, where appropriate, on a phased basis to 2030, to meet short-term emission reduction targets. 100% HVO use is already in operation on all track maintenance vehicles.

HVO for the trial is being supplied by Corrib Oil and Iarnród Éireann has received and verified the relevant ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) documentation for the fuel. This certification confirms that the HVO being used meets recognised sustainability and traceability standards.

Commenting on the initiative, Mary Considine, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, said: “This pilot is another important step in our efforts to decarbonise Ireland’s rail network. In trialling HVO on our commuter fleet, we are testing a lower-carbon alternative that can be deployed quickly while we continue to invest in electrification and other long-term more sustainable solutions.”

Subject to a successful outcome, the findings of the pilot will inform future decisions on expanding the use of HVO as a lower carbon “drop-in” replacement for diesel on non-electrified routes, complementing Iarnród Éireann’s broader investment in sustainable mobility.

First of new DART+ trains unveiled

Iarnród Éireann has unveiled the first five-carriage train of the new DART+ Fleet, at Inchicore Works in Dublin.

The new DART fleet which will enable Iarnród Éireann to improve the customer experience across the Greater Dublin Area, including capacity, accessibility and customer information.

The five-carriage train is the first of 185 carriages already on order from rail manufacturer Alstom, and entering service from early 2026 onwards.  The trains were purchased in two orders as part of a framework agreement which provides for up to 750 electric/battery electric carriages over a ten-year period

The fleet orders, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project Ireland 2040, are part of the wider DART+ Programme.  DART+ is a series of infrastructure projects which, together with train orders, will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area’s rail network.  The DART+ Programme is a key element of the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, 2022-2042. DART+ will facilitate sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in our capital and its surrounding counties, through a series of fleet and infrastructure projects. The DART+ Programme is being delivered by Iarnród Éireann on behalf of NTA.

Including the first train, a total of 155 out of the 185 carriages on order are battery-electric which deliver more capacity for commuters in advance of electrification of the lines on which they will operate, with the balance of 30 being electric-only.  The first trains will operate on the Drogheda to Dublin Commuter route, with recharging facilities under construction at Drogheda Station.

The arrival of the new fleet, from Alstom’s Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland, marks a significant milestone in Iarnród Éireann’s journey to become the backbone of the sustainable transport network in Ireland.

The carriages are the first part of the largest and most sustainable public transport fleet order in Irish history and, once operational, will further improve network accessibility and customer experience by offering:

  • Independent access with low-floor height doorway being equipped with an automatic retractable step, offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.
  • Wide gangways between carriages creating an open and spacious environment.
  • Improved facilities for wheelchair users, families and cyclists, with dedicated wheelchair and family spaces.
  • Transformed customer information systems on-board including large, high-resolution onboard displays with real-time updates, door illumination and additional features designed for the needs of sensory impaired customers including inductive hearing loops.
  • An advanced on-board CCTV system with cameras throughout every carriage, to enhance safety and security for customers and employees

As the first train in a brand new fleet on the Iarnród Éireann network, the carriages will now begin a rigorous regulatory approval, and testing and commissioning process, at Inchicore Works and on the Greater Dublin Area rail network, before entering service in early 2026.

Each 10-carriage train, made up of two of these five car train sets joined, will be the longest train size operable by the new fleet on current infrastructure, and will have capacity for at least 1,100 customers.

More carriages will arrive steadily over the coming months, with each set undergoing the testing and commissioning process.