Belfast to Dublin rail service on track for new trains boasting two-hour journey times in £550m cross-border boost
A £550m cross-border investment deal will deliver a more reliable and comfortable rail service between Belfast and Dublin, operators have said.
The plan, which will see the delivery of eight new intercity Stadler trains by late 2028, was unveiled at a signing ceremony at Belfast Grand Central Station today.
Translink said it will “deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience”, with trains due to enter passenger service in 2030 after a period of testing and commissioning.
There will be up to 16 services per direction daily with a target express journey time of under two hours, due to increased acceleration and performance.
With around 400 seats, the trains’ features include step-free interiors and unaided boarding on exterior doors, enhanced customer facilities like USB charging points and power sockets, and a spacious dining and bar area.
Translink said the tri-mode capability of the trains – capable of operating on electric, diesel and battery power – will reduce emissions, enable quieter journeys and ensure “seamless operation” as the Belfast to Dublin line transitions towards “full electrification”.
The improvement to the rail service is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive and the government of Ireland, and includes £140m in funding through PeacePlus – an initiative also involving the UK government and the European Union.
Republic of Ireland Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien and Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins formally signed the contract with Swiss manufacturer Stadler yesterday.
The signing ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris as well as Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Ms O’Neill said the new fleet will improve services and deliver benefits for people across the island: “This is an investment in our future that will create new jobs, more opportunities and more sustainable travel for years to come.”
Ms Little-Pengelly said: “This significant investment will bring a range of benefits by connecting people to jobs, education and our fantastic tourism offering here in Northern Ireland.”