UTA 70 class was a diesel multiple unit train built for service on the Ulster Transport Authority's railway network.

The decision was made to develop a new generation of multiple unit and in July 1966 the first of the new DEMU sets entered service.

Investment was needed on the "Inter City" routes and it was a straight choice between new locomotives and coaching stock or a new generation of multiple unit.

Whilst construction was carried out at the UTA's York Road works in Belfast they imported underframes and body parts.

For the new units, and after heavy refurbishment, engines, generators and traction motors were recovered as the 70s were withdrawn for re-use in the new 450 class.

They were put into a flooded part of the quarry, since water dampens asbestos, meaning that no loose fibers could escape from their structures.