Company Installs Europe-Wide Train Signaling System on Ireland's First Train
Alstom Speeds Up Dublin's Rail Network with Brightline Installation
In a notable move towards modernising Ireland's rail infrastructure, Alstom, a global leader in the transportation sector, has completed the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on Ireland's first train. This project is a key aspect of the DART+ programme, an investment aimed at doubling the capacity and trebling the electrification of the Greater Dublin network.
The ETCS installation integrates new safety features and enhances interoperability across the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) commuter network. Alstom's European Vital Computer (EVC) serves as the central safety component within the ETCS solution, intended to replace the legacy Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Continuous Automatic Warning System (CAWS) solutions.
Alstom has also installed trackside infrastructure for the ETCS installation, spanning approximately 120km. The company's CBTC range offers world-leading high-capacity signalling, ensuring smooth and efficient operations on the network.
Peter Smyth, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Iarnród Éireann, hailed the availability of the first ETCS fitted train as an important milestone. The first train from the fleet, a battery electric multiple unit (BEMU), is currently being manufactured at Alstom's Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland. This train, the IÉ 22001 Head of Series, has received ETCS Level 1 certification, provided by the Independent Safety Assessor (RINA).
The DART+ programme, funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority, supports over 50 roles globally within Alstom. The company also holds a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail for up to 750 new commuter rail cars as part of the DART+ programme.
Julie Williams, Project Manager at Alstom, stated that this milestone demonstrates the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, safety-driven solutions for Irish rail. The completion of this project supports the roll-out of Ireland's new Alstom-built DART+ fleet, with the first train expected to arrive in Dublin in 2024.
Alstom's impacts in the UK and Ireland are evident through ongoing signalling and infrastructure projects. The ETCS installation is one of Europe's largest Level 1 ETCS installations, marking a significant step forward in the modernisation of Ireland's rail network.
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