Egis, the engineering and operations firm, has announced the completed installation and testing of a new train protection system for Irish Rail that will also allow for the use of newly purchased battery-powered trains for the first time in Ireland.

The system has been installed on the Dundalk-Greystones rail line, enabling improved railway safety through ‘communication’ between track and train functionality including automatic train stopping and automatic adherence to line speeds or permanent speed restrictions. The project is now in the process of snagging, rolling out additional scope and completing safety approvals in order to be in service by the end of 2025.

The train protection system, which will ultimately be rolled out across the rail network will eventually replace Irish Rail’s existing systems, which involve older technology that is becoming obsolete and offers less functionality.

The new system was installed over 30 months with a number of companies providing essential project support, embedded within the Irish Rail Team including the Irish branch of Egis, the global engineering and operations firm, Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany, and CPC Project Services, the UK-based infrastructure company.

Egis was responsible for systems integration, Deutsche Bahn provided safety management consultancy services and CPC supported the project delivery in conjunction with Irish Rail.

The technology design and configuration part of this project was delivered by Alstom, which specialises in rolling stock (train) manufacturing and signalling systems.

The new protection system complies with ETCS (European Train Control System) Level 1 standards. ETCS is a train control standard, based on automated trackside monitoring and in-cab equipment that is able to automatically supervise train movements, alert the driver in case of excess speed, and safely stop the train if required. Track and signalling information is sent from ‘balises’ or beacons between the rails allowing the trackside equipment to communicate directly with the train, so it can automatically control its speed, braking and stopping.

ETCS is a standardised system designed to replace the many incompatible systems used by European railways, and railways outside of Europe. Its implementation allows for the use of the new battery-powered trains which come with ETCS capability. These newer trains cannot generally be fitted with existing systems, many of which are becoming obsolete.

The Dundalk-Greystones (‘D2G’) project involved the installation and testing of ETCS Level 1 on 365 signals on the 120km of railway line.

The system has undergone three years of safety approvals with the ERA – the European Railway Agency – a precondition for the system to be fully authorised to put into service. As systems integration manager, Egis facilitated this process liaising between Irish Rail and the ERA, culminating in a positive decision by the agency in December 2024. This approval was followed by a process of operational readiness for Irish Rail, and dynamic system integration testing activities, both led by Egis. The system integration testing activities consist of dynamic tests with a train which are due to conclude this month (May 2025).

In the coming months, Egis will manage the design and implementation of minor changes identified as required during the testing period, and additional scope changes to support the new Fleet. These minor changes are necessary to achieve the final Authorisation to Put Into Service (APIS) from the Irish Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR).

Once operational, the new system will support the introduction of Ireland’s next fleet for the Dart+ network. Irish Rail recently purchased battery-powered trains from French company Alstom. The first of these trains has been delivered to Ireland to start its testing regime. They are due to enter service in 2026.

Dart+ aims to ensure train travel is at the heart of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. Funded under the National Development Plan, Dart + will see a doubling of capacity and trebling of the electrification of the Greater Dublin network, facilitating more sustainable mobility in the capital and surrounding counties.

Andrew Doyle, Transportation Director at Egis in Ireland said:

“We are excited to have been involved in this project and to have delivered it successfully in conjunction with our partners. It is a major development for Irish Rail and one that not only improves safety, but allows for the introduction of newly purchased battery-powered trains for the first time. At Egis, we strive to deliver cutting-edge technology that improves the operation of transport systems, making them safer, smarter and ultimately more sustainable. It is great that Irish Rail has invested in this new technology and we look forward to seeing it fully operational on the Dundalk to Greystones line, before being rolled out to other lines.”

Paul Hendrick, Director of Capital Investments at Irish Rail said:

“This is a major modernisation milestone for Irish Rail. It futureproofs our safety systems and allows for the use of cleaner, more modern and efficient battery-powered trains. It means our passengers will benefit from improved standards and it will assist us greatly as we seek to meet our sustainability goals.  We would like to thank Egis, Deutsche Bahn and CPC Project Services for their commitment to this project and their work in delivering it on time and to a high standard.”