The fast-charging infrastructure on two platforms and one siding at Drogheda will be installed by the end of 2024 to enable new battery-electric DART+ trains, entering service in 2025, to operate to and from Drogheda in advance of planned electrification of the line, and to be recharged during service turnaround at Drogheda.
Funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the DART+ Program, the project will see electrification of three lines at Drogheda, as well as supporting infrastructure including a new sub-station at Marsh Road. The charging infrastructure has secured planning permission from Louth County Council, enabling preparatory works to commence in late 2023.
Of the initial order of 95 DART+ carriages entering service in 2025, 65 are battery-electric powered, with 30 electric. The battery-electric units will have 840kWh of energy per five-carriage train, with trains to operate in up to 10-carriage formation.
In advance of planned electrification under DART+ Coastal North, the battery-electric DARTs will operate on the Dublin to Drogheda service, being powered by the existing 1500V DC overhead lines on the DART from city center to Malahide, and then under battery power to Drogheda.
They will be capable of running journeys up to 80km on battery power alone, and benefit from charging at Drogheda during turnaround between journeys. This will happen automatically, with the pantograph extending upon arrival to the charging platform to overhead lines, and then lowering again automatically once the train is ready to depart.
The charging infrastructure will be capable of charging a throughput of up to three 10-carriage length trains per hour. Additionally, overnight charging will occur, and regenerative braking will replenish batteries on the move.
Furthermore, there will be a 3.6 MWh Energy Storage System installed at Drogheda. This will provide additional flexibility allowing multiple trains to charge simultaneously, and extra resilience to the power supply from the grid.
A further 90 battery-electric carriages have also been ordered as part of the DART+ Program, delivery of these additional trains will commence delivery from Spring 2026 and enter service from Summer 2026. Similar charging infrastructure is envisaged elsewhere in the Greater Dublin Area and being examined for the Cork Commuter network and for Wicklow.
Iarnród Éireann chief executive Jim Meade said, “This investment will allow us to accelerate the benefits of DART+ to customers on the Drogheda commuter route, with a brand-new fleet and extra capacity to be provided in just two years’ time.
“Furthermore, we are currently undertaking the second round of public consultation for full electrification and capacity improvements for the Drogheda line under DART+ Coastal North. DART+ Coastal North will double the number of commuters who can travel on this route, and dramatically increase service frequency.”