£548m Enterprise train deal signed for Belfast to Dublin route

A landmark contract was signed today for a new fleet of eight Intercity trains for the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise service, representing a cross-border investment of €698m / £548m. 

The deal was formally agreed at Belfast Grand Central Station between Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, Ireland's Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, and Swiss manufacturer Stadler.

The signing ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, who signed the contract alongside Minister O'Brien, said: "I am delighted to be part of this momentous occasion to celebrate the overall investment of £548m, of which over £200m is being provided by my Department. This represents investing with confidence in a modern, sustainable and connected transport future."

The investment is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive's Department for Infrastructure and the Irish Government's Department of Transport, with €165m in support provided through PEACEPLUS.

The new trains, based on Stadler's FLIRT platform, have been purpose-designed for the Enterprise route and are due for delivery in late 2028. Each train will carry around 400 passengers and will feature step-free interiors with 100% unaided boarding at every exterior door, which Stadler says will make it among the most accessible Intercity fleets in Europe. Passengers can also expect modern digital information systems, power sockets, USB charging points, improved luggage and bike storage, a premium Enterprise Plus section, and a dining and bar area.

The new fleet will be Ireland's first tri-mode trains, capable of running on electric, diesel, and battery power. This is intended to reduce emissions, enable quieter journeys, and facilitate a smooth transition as the Belfast to Dublin line moves towards full electrification. The associated infrastructure development is also designed to support a target express journey time of under two hours, with capacity for up to 16 services per direction daily.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "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 2 million people and the new Enterprise fleet will support the Corridor to become even more connected, prosperous and sustainable in the years ahead."

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the investment was "a really significant moment for one of our island's most important transport links," adding that the new fleet would "improve services, enhance the passenger experience and deliver benefits for people and places right across the island."

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway added: "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 said the new Stadler fleet would allow Iarnród Éireann 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."

Stadler's Executive Vice President of its Service Division, Daniel Baer, noted that the order marks the first time Stadler trains will operate on the island of Ireland, saying the company was "proud to contribute to the modernisation and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route."

The Enterprise service is a key transport link for Newry, sitting directly on the Belfast to Dublin corridor, and the improvements in journey times, capacity and accessibility will benefit the city and the wider region significantly.

With delivery of the new fleet expected in late 2028, the project represents one of the most significant investments in cross-border rail infrastructure in recent years.