Senior political leaders and transport stakeholders gathered at Belfast Grand Central Station on 7 May to witness the formal signing of a landmark contract that will transform the Belfast–Dublin Enterprise rail service.
Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Ireland’s Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien signed the agreement with Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler for a new fleet of eight state‑of‑the‑art Intercity trains, purpose‑designed for the cross‑border Enterprise route.
The ceremony was attended by First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little‑Pengelly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and a senior representative of the UK Government, alongside SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre and senior figures from Translink and Iarnród Éireann.
A major cross‑border rail investment
The £548 million (€698 million) programme represents one of the most significant rail investments on the island of Ireland. Funding is being jointly provided by the Northern Ireland Executive and Department for Infrastructure, and the Government of Ireland’s Department of Transport, with €165 million support from PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
PEACEPLUS itself is co‑funded by the UK Government, the European Union, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive, underlining the collaborative nature of the project.
The signing marks the start of a long‑term partnership to deliver a modern, high‑quality intercity rail service, strengthening one of the island’s most strategically important transport corridors.
A step‑change in passenger experience
Due for delivery in late 2028, the new fleet will be based on Stadler’s proven FLIRT platform and configured specifically for Enterprise operations. Each train will offer around 400 seats and deliver a substantial upgrade in comfort, accessibility and onboard facilities.
Key features include:
- Step‑free interiors and 100% unaided boarding at every door, making this one of the most accessible intercity fleets in Europe
- Modern digital passenger information systems, power sockets and USB charging
- Improved luggage and bicycle storage
- A premium Enterprise Plus section
- A spacious dining and bar area
The trains will also be Ireland’s first tri‑mode fleet, capable of operating on electric, diesel and battery power, reducing emissions and noise while enabling seamless operation during the transition to full route electrification.
Faster journeys and more services
Improved fleet performance, combined with associated infrastructure upgrades, will support a target express journey time of under two hours between Belfast and Dublin. The project also enables future expansion to up to 16 services per direction per day, significantly boosting capacity and connectivity along the corridor.
Leaders welcome transformative investment
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.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“It is vital that our public transport infrastructure meets the modern needs of people and businesses in both Northern Ireland and the Republic, so this £548m investment is an extremely positive development. The introduction of these new trains with a range of modern customer facilities will be welcomed by businesses, commuters and visitors alike.
“This significant investment will bring a range of benefits by connecting people to jobs, education and our fantastic tourism offering here in Northern Ireland.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“Acquisition of a new fleet of trains for the Enterprise Service heralds a significant new chapter for cross-border rail connectivity on the island of Ireland. The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor is already home to over 2 million people and the new Enterprise fleet will support the Corridor to become even more connected, prosperous and sustainable in the years ahead.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said:
"The UK Government is proud to be providing more than £730m 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."
Tánaiste Simon Harris said:
“The Dublin to Belfast corridor is the largest economic area on the island, home to over 2.2 million people and linking the two largest cities and several of the largest towns on the island. The Government is committed to supporting and developing the economic potential of the corridor. Delivery of this project will allow for the sustainable growth of cities and towns along the corridor by providing ease of access and thereby increasing attractiveness for residency and work.”
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“I am delighted to be part of this momentous occasion to celebrate the overall investment of £548m, of which over £200m is being provided by my Department. This represents investing with confidence in a modern, sustainable and connected transport future. It demonstrates our intent on delivery and our commitment to connecting communities, supporting the economy, developing tourism and most importantly of all modernising and improving services for the travelling public.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:
“This rail investment reflects Ireland’s commitment to investing in public transport. The new Enterprise fleet will set a new benchmark for intercity accessibility and comfort, ensuring that passengers with all sorts of mobility needs can travel with confidence and ease. By modernising this vital cross‑border link, we are improving the everyday experience of public transport users and strengthening sustainable connectivity across the island.”
Minister of State for Rail Séan Canney said:
“This project reflects the ambition set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy. It shows what can be achieved when both jurisdictions work together with a shared vision for a better-connected island. This collaboration is laying the foundations for a rail network that truly serves the whole island, now and into the future.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:
“PEACEPLUS is proud to contribute €165m to shaping strategic systems that will serve people, communities and economies across this island for generations to come, clearly demonstrating that peace is no longer treated as distinct from opportunity.
“This cross-border project reflects collaboration at its best. Governments, agencies and delivery partners north and south have aligned around a common purpose.”
Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said:
“Today is about turning long‑term ambition into delivery. We would like to thank our funders for this investment which will transform the Enterprise experience, delivering a modern, high‑quality journey that puts accessibility, comfort and passengers at the heart of this vital cross‑border service."
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said:
“Iarnród Éireann has a strong and longstanding partnership with Translink in delivering the cross-border Enterprise service, and we are excited to begin this new chapter for Enterprise. Supported by our funders, the new Stadler Enterprise fleet will allow ourselves and Translink to deliver a true flagship service for current and future customers, a seamless cross-border operation delivering the highest standards of customer service, and a new era in accessibility and sustainability for the Dublin / Belfast rail line.”
Stadler Executive Vice President Daniel Baer said:
“With this order, Stadler trains will be operating on the island of Ireland for the first time. The Enterprise connection is a symbol of the close cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We are proud to contribute to the modernisation and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route with our FLIRT trains and comprehensive service packages.”
Image credits: Translink
