Deals Counterparts

Keolis and Amey joint venture awarded €1.3bn contract to operate and maintain Dublin's Luas light rail network

Partnership Transport announced Dublin, Ireland Mar 16, 2026
USD1300M
Deal Value
operating
Stage
Luas light rail network
Project

A 65:35 joint venture between Keolis and Amey has been awarded a €1.3 billion contract by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) to operate and maintain Dublin's 42km two-line Luas light rail network. The seven-year agreement, which commences on September 1, includes an option to extend the contract for an additional six years. Under the new contract, an enhanced timetable will be introduced in 2027, featuring additional services during peak times. Keolis and Amey also plan to install remote monitoring equipment on the LRV fleet and infrastructure to detect and prevent faults, aiming to improve operational efficiency and reliability for the network, which carried 55 million passengers in 2025.

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Deal Analysis

The €1.3 billion contract awarded to the Keolis and Amey joint venture for Dublin's 42km Luas light rail network represents a substantial long-term operational commitment by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Ireland’s National Transport Authority. This seven-year agreement, commencing on September 1, includes a valuable option for an additional six-year extension, offering the 65:35 joint venture partners significant revenue visibility through 2039. The commercial logic for TII and NTA centers on securing enhanced operational efficiency and reliability for the network, which served 55 million passengers in 2025. Keolis and Amey plan to introduce remote monitoring equipment across the LRV fleet and infrastructure, a proactive measure designed to detect and prevent faults. This technological upgrade is intended to underpin the enhanced timetable featuring additional peak services, scheduled for introduction in 2027, improving service delivery across Dublin. Ireland's National Transport Authority, an Irish government agency focused on planning and funding public transport, secures a specialized operating partner for a critical urban asset, aligning with its mandate for sustainable transport infrastructure across Ireland. Keolis, as a leading operator of public transportation systems globally, leverages its 65% stake in the joint venture to expand its European tram and rail portfolio, reinforcing its focus on efficient mobility solutions. Amey, a UK-based infrastructure support service provider, gains a 35% share in the operation and maintenance of a major European light rail system, diversifying its transport infrastructure services beyond the UK. This partnership effectively combines Keolis's deep operational expertise in tram systems with Amey's infrastructure support capabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for the 42km Luas network.
  • €1.3 billion contract value for a 7-year O&M agreement.
  • 65:35 joint venture between Keolis and Amey.
  • Option to extend the contract for an additional six years.
  • Enhanced timetable for Dublin's Luas network starting in 2027.
  • Remote monitoring technology planned for the 42km network's LRV fleet and infrastructure.
  • Dublin's Luas network carried 55 million passengers in 2025.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The contract is for seven years with an option to extend for another six years. An enhanced timetable will be introduced in 2027 with additional services at peak times. Keolis and Amey plan to install remote monitoring equipment on the LRV fleet and infrastructure. The Luas network carried 55 million passengers in 2025. TII expects the vast majority of Luas staff to transfer to KeolisAmey. A 4km northern extension to the Green Line from Broombridge to Finglas is awaiting funding. Plans are being drawn up to procure new LRVs to replace the existing fleet and increase capacity. Quotes: - "The seven-year deal has on option to extend the contract for another six years." - "Under the new contract, an enhanced timetable will be introduced in 2027 with additional services at peak times." - "Keolis and Amey also plan to install remote monitoring equipment on the LRV fleet and infrastructure to detect and prevent faults." - "The Luas network carried 55 million passengers in 2025." - "TII says it expects “the vast majority of Luas staff will opt to transfer to KeolisAmey in accordance with the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations Law governing transfer regulations.”" - "A 4km northern extension to the Green Line from Broombridge to Finglas is awaiting funding." - "Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of TII, confirmed that plans are being drawn up to procure new LRVs to replace the existing fleet and increase capacity."

Deal Size
TRANSPORT Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) have awarded a €1.3bn contract to a 65:35 joint venture of Keolis and Amey to operate and maintain the 42km two-line Luas light rail network serving Dublin from September 1.
Location
Luas light rail network serving Dublin
COD
to operate and maintain the 42km two-line Luas light rail network serving Dublin from September 1.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
K
Keolis developer

"a 65:35 joint venture of Keolis and Amey"

A
Amey developer

"a 65:35 joint venture of Keolis and Amey"

T
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) buyer

"TRANSPORT Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) have awarded a €1.3bn contract"

I
Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) buyer

"TRANSPORT Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) have awarded a €1.3bn contract"

T
Transdev seller

"Keolis and Amey will take over from Transdev, which has been responsible for operating and maintaining the network since 2019."

high quality Enriched Mar 16, 2026

Timeline

Announced
Mar 16, 2026
Signed
Closed

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