First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, together with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and a senior representative from the UK Government, were in Belfast Grand Central Station yesterday (7th May) to witness the formal signing of a landmark contract with leading Swiss manufacturer Stadler for a new fleet of eight state-of-the-art Intercity trains for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service.
They were joined by SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre and representatives from Translink and Iarnród Éireann.
This major £548 million cross border investment for new fleet and associated infrastructure, is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, Department for Infrastructure and the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with €165 million through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the European Union, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The signing ceremony at Belfast Grand Central Station marks the beginning of a significant partnership to deliver a modern, high quality Intercity rail service – transforming the Enterprise experience for passengers and strengthening one of the island’s most important transport links.
Due for delivery late 2028, the new Intercity trains – based on Stadler’s proven FLIRT platform – have been purpose designed for the Enterprise route and will deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience. With around 400 seats, the fleet features include:
- Accessibility has been prioritised through step free interiors and 100% unaided boarding at every exterior door, making this among the most accessible Intercity fleets in Europe.
- Enhanced customer facilities including modern digital information systems, power sockets and USB charging points, improved luggage and bike storage.
- A premium Enterprise Plus section, and a spacious dining and bar area.
The new Enterprise fleet will also be Ireland’s first tri mode trains, capable of operating on electric, diesel, and battery power. This will reduce emissions, enable quieter journeys, and ensure seamless operation as the Belfast–Dublin line transitions toward full electrification.
With improved acceleration and performance of the fleet and associated infrastructure development, this project will support a target express journey time of under two hours.
The trains will also support expansion to up to 16 services per direction daily, strengthening long-term cross-border economic, cultural and social connectivity.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “This is a hugely welcome investment and a really significant moment for one of our island’s most important transport links. We are already seeing more people choosing the Belfast to Dublin rail service, helping to grow our thriving all-island economy, and strengthen connections between communities.
“This new fleet will improve services, enhance the passenger experience and deliver benefits for people and places right 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.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn commented: “The UK Government is proud to be providing more than £730 million to the current six-year PEACEPLUS programme, and I welcome the significant contribution that PEACEPLUS has chosen to make towards a new fleet of trains for the Belfast-Dublin rail service.
“This is an exciting initiative for the wider region. PEACEPLUS projects promote peace, opportunity and stability and help generate economic growth, and I know this will strengthen Northern Ireland’s economy and that of the whole United Kingdom.”
Image credit: Translink
