Alstom has been awarded a contract to provide a charging facility for Irish Rail's new Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) trains. The fast-charging infrastructure will be installed on two platforms and one siding at Drogheda, Ireland, and will be operational by the end of 2024.
The new BEMU trains will operate between Drogheda and Dublin City Centre, and will be able to travel up to 80 kilometres on a single battery charge. The charging facility will allow the trains to be recharged during service turnaround at Drogheda, so that they can continue operating without interruption.
This is the first project of its kind in Ireland and the UK, and is a significant step forward in the development of sustainable public transportation. The new BEMU trains will reduce emissions and noise pollution, and will provide a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.
"Alstom is pleased to partner with Irish Rail in delivering the new state-of-the-art BEMU's charging facility," said Piers Wood, managing director of Alstom in Ireland. "Projects such as this will deliver social and economic benefits to Irish Rail passengers, and Alstom is proud to be playing a part in this important initiative."
"This investment will allow us to accelerate the benefits of DART+ to customers on the Drogheda commuter route," said Jim Made, CEO of Irish Rail. "With a brand-new fleet and extra capacity to be provided in just two years' time, we are confident that this project will make a real difference to the lives of people in the Greater Dublin Area."
The DART+ programme is a major investment in the future of public transportation in Ireland. It will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network, and will create thousands of jobs. The new BEMU trains and charging facility are a key part of this programme, and will help to make public transportation a more attractive and sustainable option for people in the region.
In addition to the charging facility, Alstom will also provide Irish Rail with a range of other services, including maintenance and technical support. This will ensure that the new BEMU trains operate reliably and efficiently for many years to come.
Photo Credit: Alstom
