Alstom’s ETCS Certification- DART+ Project, Ireland

Introduction

Alstom announced the completion of Assessment Body (AsBo), Notified Body (NoBo), and Designated Body (DeBo) certifications for train 22001, validating the safety and compliance of the design developed with its partners for the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) network.

ETCS Certification

Train 22001 received Assessment Body (AsBo), Notified Body (NoBo), and Designated Body (DeBo) certificates from RINA, the Independent Safety Assessor. This provides independent validation of the safety and compliance of the design developed by Alstom and its partners.

Earlier this year, Alstom also installed trackside infrastructure – spanning approximately 120km – for the ETCS installation.

The primary objective of the Head of Series (HoS) project is to demonstrate that Alstom’s European Vital Computer (EVC) serves as the central safety component within the ETCS solution. This system is intended to become the main train protection system, replacing the legacy Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Continuous Automatic Warning System (CAWS) solutions. This advancement will support the roll-out of Ireland’s new Alstom-built DART+ fleet, which will be delivered with ETCS installed as standard.

Julie Williams, Project Manager at Alstom, stated that successfully completing the ETCS installation and assessment body certification on the Head of Series for the 22000 Class is a significant achievement, validating the integration of Alstom’s onboard systems with Ireland’s trackside infrastructure and demonstrating a commitment to safety-driven solutions. This also sets a strong foundation for the rollout of the new DART+ fleet.

Project Collaboration and Scope

The project has supported more than 50 Alstom roles globally, from the design stage to site testing in Ireland. It has been delivered in partnership with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) and represents one of Europe’s largest Level 1 ETCS installations.

Peter Smyth, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Iarnród Éireann, highlighted that the availability of the first ETCS-fitted train in Ireland, delivered by the Head of Series project, has enabled early trackside and trainborne integration testing ahead of the entry to service of the new DART+ fleet.

ETCS and Safety

Central to the railway’s digital future, ETCS is a train control standard, based on in-cab equipment that is able to supervise train movements, including stopping the train. The project completed without a lost time incident (LTI).

DART+ Programme and Fleet Details

Alstom has a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail for up to 750 new commuter rail cars as part of the DART+ programme, with firm orders for 37 five-car X’trapolis trains, including a 15-year support services contract.

Currently being manufactured at Alstom’s Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland, 31 of the ordered trains are battery electric multiple units (BEMUs) – a first for Ireland – while six are Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). The first train from the fleet arrived in Dublin in 2024, where it is undergoing testing before entering service next year.

DART+ is the programme that will ensure train travel is at the heart of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. Funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority, DART+ is an investment that will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin network.

Conclusion

Alstom’s ETCS installation and certification for train 22001 are key milestones for the DART+ programme, supporting the integration of new safety features and enhanced interoperability. The project, delivered in partnership with Iarnród Éireann, is a significant step in modernizing Irish rail infrastructure and expanding the DART network.

Company Summary

Alstom: A global leader in the rail transport sector, providing a wide range of products and services, including trains, signaling systems, and infrastructure solutions. Alstom has a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail for up to 750 new commuter rail cars as part of the DART+ programme.

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail): The national railway operator of Ireland, responsible for providing passenger and freight rail services throughout the country. Iarnród Éireann is partnering with Alstom for the DART+ project.

Technology

ETCS: European Train Control System. A train control standard, based on in-cab equipment that is able to supervise train movements, including stopping the train.

EVC: European Vital Computer, which serves as the central safety component within the ETCS solution.

ATP: Automatic Train Protection.

CAWS: Continuous Automatic Warning System.

BEMUs: Battery Electric Multiple Units.

EMUs: Electric Multiple Units.

X’trapolis: Alstom’s train model.