Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited Belfast on Thursday to sign a £540m contract for new cross-border trains on the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise line. The Department for Infrastructure contributes more than £200m, matched by the Irish government, with extra funds from a peace fund.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly joined Martin for the signing at Grand Central Station, alongside Tánaiste Simon Harris. Trains are scheduled for delivery from late 2028.

Martin met political leaders at Stormont and Northern Ireland business leaders during the visit. He also attended a joint event at the new Grand Central Station.

The taoiseach plans to engage with civic groups, including a visit to Women's Aid. In the evening, he will deliver the 2026 Lord David Trimble Lecture at Queen's University Belfast.