Belfast-Dublin Enterprise Rail Service Set for Major Transformation with £548m / €698m Investment

By Love Belfast

May 10, 2026

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Photo – Official signed-off line-up photo (DFM, Taoiseach, SEUPB, FM, Tánaiste, plus DOT Minister, DfI Minister, CEO Translink, CEO Iarnród Éireann, NIO, Stadler rep ) Text - A landmark contract has been signed for a new fleet of eight state-of-the-art Intercity trains and associated infrastructure for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service, representing a major £548m / €698m cross border investment. Due for delivery late 2028, the new trains have been purpose designed for the Enterprise route and will deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience - visit www.translink.co.uk/newenterprisetrains  for more details. Pictured at the contract signing ceremony in Belfast Grand Central Station are l-r Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Transport, (back left), Liz Kimmins, Infrastructure Minister, Simon Harris Tánaiste, Micheál Martin Taoiseach, Michelle O’Neill, First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, deputy First Minister, Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive, Gillian Morton, NIO, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive ( front left), Mary Considine CEO, Irish Rail, Ralf Warwel and Daniel Baer, Stadler.

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A major milestone has been reached for transport infrastructure across the island of Ireland following the signing of a landmark contract for a brand-new fleet of eight state-of-the-art Intercity trains for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service.

The ambitious £548 million / €698 million cross-border investment will also include associated infrastructure upgrades, marking one of the most significant developments for the Enterprise rail service in decades.

The new fleet, which is expected to be delivered by late 2028, has been purpose-designed specifically for the Belfast-Dublin route and promises a major step forward in passenger comfort, reliability and overall customer experience.

The investment is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between the two capital cities, supporting economic growth, tourism, business travel and sustainable transport ambitions on both sides of the border.

The contract signing ceremony took place at the recently opened Belfast Grand Central Station and brought together senior political leaders and transport representatives from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Among those present were Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Representatives from Translink, Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail and Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler also attended the signing ceremony.

The new trains are expected to deliver faster, greener and more efficient travel while modernising one of the island’s most important transport links. Enhanced accessibility, upgraded onboard facilities and improved passenger capacity are all expected to form part of the transformation.

Passengers and businesses can learn more about the upcoming fleet and project developments via New Enterprise Trains Project.

The Enterprise service has long been viewed as a vital economic and social connection between Belfast and Dublin, and this latest investment signals a major commitment to the future of rail travel across the island.