Stadler's €698M FLIRT trains to revolutionize Dublin-Belfast rail by 2030

Stadler has won its first Irish contract to build eight new FLIRT trains for the Dublin-to-Belfast route. The €698 million project aims to slash travel times below two hours while boosting passenger comfort. Services are set to begin in 2030 with increased daily connections between the two cities. The new FLIRT trains will run on a hybrid system combining diesel, electric, and battery power. They will draw electricity from overhead lines where available and switch to battery or diesel on unstaffed sections. The units are also preconfigured for full electrification of the route in the future.

Up to 16 trains per day will operate in each direction once the service is fully running. The project has secured €165 million in EU grants, with the remaining funding split between the Irish and Northern Irish governments.

Stadler’s role extends beyond manufacturing. The company will provide technical support, spare parts, and crew training to ensure smooth operations. The total investment reflects a major upgrade for cross-border rail travel. The new fleet is expected to transform travel between Dublin and Belfast. Faster journeys, improved comfort, and more frequent services will be introduced by 2030. The project also lays the groundwork for full electrification along the route in the coming years.