Amey Infrastructure Ireland has been appointed to Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) Luas Overhead Contact System (OCS) Works Framework, securing a major role in maintaining and upgrading the electrification infrastructure supporting Dublin’s light rail network.
The four-year framework is valued at approximately €5 million annually, representing an estimated €20 million over its initial term, with options to extend the agreement for up to a further four years.
Under the contract, Amey will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of overhead contact system renewals, upgrades and new works across the Luas network.
The appointment strengthens Amey’s existing relationship with TII and forms part of a wider programme to improve the resilience, reliability and long-term performance of Dublin’s light rail infrastructure.
Renewing ageing electrification infrastructure
The framework covers the 70km Luas network, encompassing both the Red Line and Green Line, which provide important public transport connections across Dublin.
Overhead contact systems are essential to light rail operations, supplying electrical power to trams through the overhead wiring infrastructure.
As these assets age, planned renewals and upgrades become increasingly important to maintaining reliability, managing infrastructure condition and reducing the risk of service disruption.
The new framework will enable TII to undertake a programme of overhead line improvements while also supporting potential future enhancements to the network.
Cathal Masterson, Director of Commercial Operations at TII, said: “This new partnership with Amey, which is part of a broader initiative by TII to strengthen its light rail engineering and asset management capabilities and capacity, will facilitate the renewal of the ageing overhead catenary systems in the coming years to safeguard existing light rail services, as well as to facilitate further enhancements of services across Dublin in the coming years.”
The framework provides a longer-term procurement arrangement for delivering specialist electrification works, allowing renewal requirements to be addressed as part of a coordinated programme.
Complex engineering works on an operational network
Amey will develop detailed construction designs and undertake safety-critical overhead contact system works across the live Luas network.
Delivering electrification renewals in an operational urban railway environment presents particular challenges, including managing access to infrastructure, coordinating engineering activities and minimising disruption to passenger services.
The work will require careful planning to ensure that construction, testing and commissioning activities can be completed safely while maintaining the reliability of the network.
Amey will draw on its specialist rail electrification capabilities and experience delivering infrastructure works on busy passenger railway systems.
Ewen Morrison, Account Director Ireland at Amey, said: “The Luas is part of everyday life for people across Dublin, so being trusted to deliver overhead line works on this network is a responsibility we take seriously. This framework reflects our experience delivering complex electrification projects safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
“Our focus will be on keeping the Luas running reliably for passengers today while supporting the long-term resilience of the system for a growing city.”
Strengthening long-term asset management
The appointment reflects TII’s wider efforts to strengthen its light rail engineering and asset management capabilities.
As urban rail systems mature, infrastructure owners face increasing demands to balance the renewal of ageing assets with the need to maintain reliable services and accommodate future growth.
Overhead electrification equipment is a critical component of this challenge, requiring regular inspection, maintenance and eventual replacement to ensure continued safe operation.
The framework will support both planned renewals and new infrastructure works, giving TII access to specialist engineering capability over an extended period.
For Amey, the contract further expands its portfolio of infrastructure delivery activities in Ireland and reinforces its position in the light rail electrification market.
The agreement also provides opportunities to apply specialist design and engineering expertise across a network that remains central to Dublin’s public transport system.
Supporting Dublin’s future transport requirements
The Luas network plays an important role in providing electric public transport across the Irish capital, connecting residential areas, employment centres and key destinations.
Maintaining the condition and reliability of its electrification infrastructure is essential to sustaining existing services and supporting future improvements.
TII has identified the renewal of ageing overhead catenary systems as an important priority, with the new framework intended to provide the engineering resources needed to deliver that work.
The contract’s initial four-year duration, together with the potential for a further four-year extension, provides a framework for managing infrastructure requirements over the longer term.
For the wider rail industry, the appointment highlights the continuing importance of specialist electrification expertise as transport authorities seek to maintain and modernise established light rail networks.
It also demonstrates the role of long-term frameworks in providing infrastructure owners with access to technical capability while supporting more consistent planning and delivery of renewal programmes.
With Amey now appointed, the focus will turn to delivering overhead contact system improvements across the Red and Green Lines, helping TII safeguard existing services and prepare Dublin’s light rail infrastructure for future operational demands.
