AQW 21962/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/02/2025
Answered On Date: 19/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the remaining life of the existing rail stock; (ii) when new rail stock will be ordered; and (iii) when the new rail stock will be in operation.

Answer:

It is typical to replace rail stock when it is around 30 years old. The Enterprise fleet will be 30 years old in 2027; the Class 3000 fleet will be 30 years old in 2030-35, with the Class 4000 fleet reaching this age in 2040-41.

Translink and Irish Rail are currently procuring new Enterprise trains. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded before the end of the year subject to Business Case and governance approvals being achieved.

It is anticipated that the new Enterprise trains will come into service in 2029.