A prototype of the new DART+ train was unveiled in Dublin today ahead of the delivery of 185 carriages next year.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan visited Inchicore Railway Works for a preview of the next generation DARTs, which are due to enter service in 2025.
The new fleet is being built by French manufacturer Alstom at its factory near Katowice in Poland.
Minister Ryan said: "This new fleet will facilitate DART trips to and from Drogheda from 2025 and then beyond that to the west and south west.
"With dedicated wheelchair, family and bicycle areas, the new fleet will ensure accessiblity to a wide variety of passengers at different times of the day and week, providing comfort and independence for all users."
Funded under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 the order for the DART+ Fleet is part of the DART+ programme which aims to more than double the commuter capacity and treble the electrification of the greater Dublin area rail network.
Earlier this month, the Government approved a timetable for extending DART services to Kildare and Drogheda.
DART + South West will see the line from Connolly station out to Celbridge electrified and a new low emission, high frequency train service to stations at Islandbridge, Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Adamstown, and Celbridge and Hazelhatch.
There will also be a new station at Heuston West.
Commuters in Drogheda are being promised DART services to Dublin city from early 2025.
The line to Maynooth and to the M3 Parkway will also be electrified and there will an upgrade for the infrastructure to Greystones.
The new services will be facilitated by the DART+ Fleet programme which will see Iarnród Éireann commission up to 750 new electric or battery electric vehicles over ten years, the biggest purchasing order in the history of Irish public transport.
The new trains will allow expansion of services while the lines are being upgraded and greater accessibility and more dedicated wheelchair spaces.
There will also be four bicycle spaces per carriage and charging points for e-bikes and e-scooters.
