Irish Rail simulator centre completed as DART expansion programme gathers pace
New 1,100sqm MMC-built training facility at Inchicore Railway Works will support next generation of DART driver training and showcases modern construction for complex rail infrastructure.
2 July 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
A new purpose-built simulator training centre has been completed at Iarnród Éireann’s historic Inchicore Railway Works, marking another milestone in the infrastructure supporting the expansion of Ireland’s DART network.
Delivered by CPAC Modular, the 1,100sqm facility forms part of Irish Rail’s wider DART expansion programme and has been designed to provide advanced simulator-based driver training for the next generation of rail operations. The project also demonstrates the growing role of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in delivering complex, safety-critical transport infrastructure.The simulator building incorporates specialist engineering systems and advanced data integration to support immersive driver training, enabling Irish Rail to prepare drivers for the expanded DART network. Unlike conventional modular projects, the facility required the integration of highly specialised simulation technology, precision engineering and close coordination with international equipment suppliers.
Located within the live operational environment of Inchicore Railway Works, the project was delivered using offsite manufacturing techniques to minimise disruption while maintaining programme certainty. According to CPAC Modular, the MMC approach also provided greater quality control for a technically demanding project where building performance and systems integration were critical.The project was led by CPAC Modular Project Manager Rachael Ryan, whose work on the simulator facility has already been recognised at the Women in Construction Awards. Ryan said the project demonstrated the capability of MMC to deliver complex, technology-led infrastructure requiring extensive collaboration between contractors, engineers and specialist suppliers.
She said the precision required to coordinate international simulator manufacturers alongside advanced engineering and data systems demanded a collaborative approach throughout the delivery of the project, adding that the completed facility will play an important role in supporting the future operation of Ireland’s rail network.
CPAC Modular Managing Director Sean Murphy said the project illustrates how MMC can be applied beyond traditional building sectors to deliver highly technical infrastructure safely and efficiently. He said the simulator training centre is a critical operational asset for Irish Rail and reflects the potential for offsite construction to support future infrastructure delivery.
The completed facility highlights the increasing use of MMC across Ireland’s transport sector, where programme certainty, reduced disruption and improved quality assurance are becoming increasingly important for infrastructure delivered within live operational environments.As investment in the DART expansion continues, supporting infrastructure such as specialist training facilities will be essential to preparing operational staff for increased service capacity while maintaining safety standards across the network. The completion of the Inchicore simulator centre adds another piece of enabling infrastructure to Ireland’s largest rail investment programme and demonstrates how modern construction techniques are being deployed to deliver increasingly sophisticated public transport assets.
