41 new ICR centre cars

Yeah, in the timetable as 7 piece ICR, as is the 6.35 from Newry.

Current plans put 13 half length battery DART units in Drogheda from 2025 (so read 2026) that would eliminate any 4 car 29k operations at peak and release that 7 piece ICR to better work, the 29k's released go to Maynooth and Docklands to strengthen services and release some ICR's as well, there is another batch of half length battery DART units due 2026 so Drogheda Dublin could go entirely electric by 2027, leaving the Dundalk Dublin as 29k

As above the issue becomes platform lengths very quickly if you want to increase capacity on a network which is mostly single track

When the first batch of new darts arrive can 29ks be transferred to the Phoenix Park tunnel service's, I know there top speed limits them on that line but I'm sure they would be fine as far as Newbridge and at the very least Hazelhatch.

They aren't fast enough to match the running times required for the sections.

kildare itself would be a problem granted but within the 4 track section the faster boarding allowed should get them over the line surely.

i'm not a regular user of the kildare services at all but when i have the ICR that operated it didn't go very fast anyway but maybe i was unlucky for whatever reason.

i don't know if it could be done that quick but certainly it can be done that is for sure.

they would do it if it suited them you can be guaranteed of that, just like a lot of their operational methods and requirements, subject to change if it suits/they want it to/whatever.

It’s not a massive changeover actually and can be done easily enough. It’s not a refresher, but they are not like driving a loco versus ICR. They’ve been there before and units have moved around over the years.

Also, not every driver would need to sign for them.

However, the 29s should only be used to Hazelhatch only. They can’t keep up after that as they go plus 70mph which is what they are limited to.

Certainly scope to use them Heuston side.

christ no, the sooner those heaps of **** are burned the better.

why are they holding on to them, they aren't coming back so they should just cut them up at this stage.

I've been wondering this myself. ( also why the 2nd spare Enterprise Set isnt out and about either )

Based on what I read about Ryanair and their orders of new Boeing 737 aircraft, they seem to be in revenue service weeks after arriving from the USA.

Yet these ICR coaches have taken nearly 18 months.

I still can't understand that.

They were bought to have 7 on the road and one in the shop , not have 25% of the fleet not being used.

Sorry - my mistake. I was referring to the Dublin-Cork MK4s. 3 out and 1 in maintenance is fine.

Speaking of the Mk4s, I see on Irish Rail social media that they're refurbishing the 1st class cabins. They look nice, leather seats is a good choice but such a light colour must surely make stains more easily visible. Can't believe they kept the blue tinted windows - who wants to sit on a carriage designed to deter heroin users from finding the veins 😂

*checks Mark 4 build dates*

*looks at the recent announcement that VIA Rail will absolutely, positively, not kidding this time, retire the 1940s/1950s long distance rolling stock by 2035*

I guess it depends on what you mean by old. But modern trainset construction, materials and electric/electronic fit is not tuned to half century or longer lifespans.