Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
348. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline what Irish Rail's plans are to replace the 201 class locomotive which are used on the Dublin - Cork and Enterprise train services; and if there are plans to replace these fleet of locomotives which have almost reached the end of their service life. [15079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and locomotives on the network, including any proposed replacement of the 201-class units deployed on the Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Belfast rail lines, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Of relevance, the Enterprise rail service is the only cross-border rail service on the island of Ireland. It is a well-known symbol of North-South cooperation and provides an important public transport link operating between Dublin and Belfast. In October 2024, the Enterprise moved to a near hourly service supported by funding provided by the Shared Island Fund. The Enterprise now operates 15 services in each direction between Dublin and Belfast on most days. The Enterprise Fleet Replacement Programme will replace the current rolling stock of diesel trains with a more sustainable fleet. Having completed the procurement process, the contract for the manufacture of the new Enterprise fleet is expected to be awarded shortly.
Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for a direct reply on the specific matter raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
