Market Process To Help Deliver DART Services To Wicklow Gets Underway

Rail chiefs are looking to push Wicklow DART transport options

Iarnród Éireann has advertised to begin market engagement to help bring the DART service to Wicklow town.

The company has advertised pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) for the design and build of the charging infrastructure for the new Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) DART+ Fleet at Wicklow Station.

The charging infrastructure forms part of the Wicklow Rail Capacity Enhancement Project which will improve rail connectivity between Dublin City Centre and Wicklow Town and deliver:

• One DART service per hour per direction between Dublin and Wicklow

• New, more accessible DART carriages serving Wicklow Town

• Battery operated DARTs to increase services and capacity

To support the operation of the battery-electric (BEMU) DARTs, infrastructure is required to charge the DART batteries on arrival at Wicklow Station.

The BEMUs will utilise the existing overhead line equipment from Dublin to Greystones. The pantograph (connecting arm on DART) will then be lowered, and the DARTs will run on battery power between Greystones and Wicklow, where they can be fully charged before their return journey.

This next phase of expansion of the BEMU infrastructure to Wicklow Station followed the successful development of the charging infrastructure at Drogheda Station on the Northern Line. Infrastructure at Drogheda is currently being tested alongside the new fleet to be ready for use once the first DART+ units enter service from 2027 onwards.

The Design & Build contract for the charging infrastructure at Wicklow will consist of:

• Installation of a new substation to provide for fast charging

• Installation of overhead charge system (OHLE) on platforms 1 and 2 at Wicklow Station

• Systems and engineering works to support the infrastructure

The PQQ will be live on etenders.ie from the 18^th March 2026. Subject to planning and funding approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2027 and BEMU services to begin operating from 2029.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “Another significant milestone in the transformative expansion of the DART today as we advertise to the market to help bring more rail services and more capacity to Wicklow Town and surrounding communities. The flexibility offered by the battery-electric DARTs means more of the growing Wicklow community can access more sustainable transport more quickly, truly supporting rail as the backbone of our sustainable transport network.”

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “I am delighted to see the extension of the DART to Wicklow advancing. This project will bring a more frequent and sustainable train service to the people of Wicklow. The NDP Transport Sectoral Investment Plan, which my Department published last November, provides funding to advance this project, which is planned for delivery around 2029. This represents a significant acceleration compared to the plans previously set out in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, which would have seen the DART extension to Wicklow progressed no earlier than 2037. The accelerated delivery of this project demonstrates this Government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure projects more quickly and delivering sustainable mobility in support of our decarbonisation goals.”

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of NTA added:

“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward for passengers who rely on the TFI network. The delivery of new charging infrastructure at Wicklow Station is essential for the rollout of battery electric DART services and will allow for more frequent, reliable and sustainable journeys for communities along the route.

“By investing in this infrastructure, we are ensuring that passengers benefit from a modern rail service that connects seamlessly with the wider TFI network. The NTA remains committed to supporting projects that improve everyday travel for our passengers, strengthen regional links and provide better transport choices for people across Wicklow and the Greater Dublin Area.”

The Wicklow Rail Capacity Enhancement Project complements the ongoing DART+ Programme, which comprises a suite of transformative projects which will modernise and transform existing rail services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). It will see the existing DART network grow from 50 km in length to over 150 km through the electrification and upgrade of existing lines and will support twice as many rail journeys in the GDA on the extended DART network.

The programme sees new DARTs, a more frequent service and full electrification of the rail lines from Dublin City Centre (Connolly & Spencer Dock) to Kilcock / M3 Parkway (DART+ West); Hazelhatch & Celbridge (DART+ South West); Drogheda (DART+ Coastal North); and Greystones (DART+ Coastal South).

Iarnród Éireann, supported by the NTA, have to date invested €670 million and ordered 285 new carriages under the DART+ Fleet framework agreement with manufacturer Alstom, which provides for a maximum of 750 DART vehicles over a 10-year period.  

The units, currently undergoing a rigorous testing, commissioning and safety approvals programme, will be a mix of Battery Electric (BEMU) and fully electric (EMU) carriages and will begin entering service in 2027.

Investing in both electric and battery-electric powered trains means an accelerated delivery of capacity and service frequency uplift for customers, making the most of existing infrastructure, including to/from Wicklow, while electrification is being progressed.  

A key feature is the low-level floors and wide doorways with sliding steps which enable easy access and good passenger flow. These new trains offer the ability for the majority of passengers (including passengers of reduced mobility) to board and alight unassisted.