IÉ 2700 and 2750 Classes
| Company type | Diesel multiple unit trains |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Dublin , Ireland |
| Products | Diesel multiple unit trains |
The 2700 and 2750 Classes—commonly referred to as "Sparrows" (Spanish Arrows)—were diesel multiple units operated by Iarnród Éireann. The 2700 Class comprised twelve two-car sets manufactured by GEC Alsthom between 1997 and 1998, with entry into service in December 1998. Each vehicle weighed , was equipped with an underfloor Cummins engine delivering , and could reach speeds up to .
History
From July 2004 until April 2005, these trains were deployed in six-car configurations on the Dublin-Rosslare InterCity line before being superseded by more modern rolling stock. Afterward, the fleet primarily operated out of Limerick, servicing regional shuttle and commuter routes such as Ballina-Manulla Junction and Athlone-Galway. They generally covered all services in the Limerick vicinity except for direct Limerick-Heuston connections.
The trains had the capability to be joined in formations of up to ten cars. The 2750 Class consisted of two single-car units featuring driving cabs at both ends, allowing for versatile operation. Seating arrangements differed: even-numbered vehicles contained 62 seats; odd-numbered ones offered 55 seats plus a restroom; the compact two-carriage 2750 Class provided 53 seats per car due to the inclusion of dual cabs. Some units also accommodated bicycle storage.
Originally delivered in a black and orange "Arrow" livery, they were repainted from 2004 onwards into the Commuter sector colours following Iarnród Éireann’s sectorisation strategy.
A significant refurbishment began in 2010, which involved removing redundant end gangways and updating the exterior paint scheme to match that of the IE 22000 Class.
Unit 2716 sustained damage during a collision in June 2000 and was subsequently coupled with a unit from the IE 2600 Class.
The entire fleet was withdrawn by September 2012 and stored at Inchicore Works and Cork Kent depots. Due to rising demand, Irish Rail intended to refurbish and return ten sets to service between late 2017 and early 2019 to reinforce busy Dublin routes; however, this plan was abandoned in 2018.
By late 2022, the units stored at Inchicore were removed from the tracks to create space for other rolling stock. In August 2023, Irish Rail authorized scrapping of the fleet, although unit 2751 remains under consideration for conversion into a shunter at Portlaoise.
Dismantling operations commenced in March 2025 at Inchicore, with additional units relocated from Cork for recycling activities conducted in County Louth.
Fleet details
| Class | Operator | Number | Year Built | Cars per Set | Unit nos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2700 Class | Commuter | 12 | 1997-1998 | 2 | 2701/02 – 2713/14, 2715/24, 2717/18, 2719/22, 2721/20, 2723/26 | 2716 operated as a hybrid two-car unit with 2609 (withdrawn) |
| 2750 Class | 2 | 1 | 2751 & 2753 | 2751 stored at Cork, 2753 at Inchicore Works |
Models
Bachmann released an OO gauge model representing unit 2715/2716 in Commuter livery. This model was based on a repainted British Rail Class 158 chassis rather than original tooling replicating the 2700 class design.