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Landmark deal for new Belfast–Dublin Enterprise fleet
Image via SEUPB
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’s Central Station (7th May) to witness Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, and Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, formally signing 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 £548m / €698m 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 €165m 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.
