Works due to commence on major project to increase Cork commuter rail network capacity 

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that works are due to commence on a major project this year to increase the Cork commuter rail network’s capacity.

The company said that all projects in the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme are underway, under the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Plan. 

These include double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton, with Iarnród Éireann saying that the Railway Order has been granted for this with works commencing in 2024.

Works have already commenced on developing a new through platform at Kent Station for through running for Mallow to Midleton/Cobh and on resignalling the Cork commuter network, it said.

The details were confirmed as Iarnród Éireann said that preliminary figures show rail passenger journeys in 2023 achieved one of their highest-ever totals.

An estimated 45.5 million journeys were made during the past 12 months, up from 35.8 million in 2022.

The 2023 totals saw 90% of pre-covid demand achieved, with the high of 50.1 million set to be achieved in 2024.

Intercity services totalled 12.5 million journeys, at 96% of pre-covid peaks. 

Commuter routes saw 13.3 million journeys, 86% of pre-covid levels, as hybrid working continues to be a greater feature of commuting.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, said of the preliminary figures “it has been great to welcome customers new and old back to our services throughout 2023.

"From the busiest ever events season to the growing demand across all services, the recovery of demand will mean our ongoing investment projects will be delivered in time to boost capacity as its needed.

"Growing and new communities will be able to benefit from high capacity, sustainable rail transport services as we deliver in all our major cities, and across the network.”

Works are also underway on a number of other projects across the country including the relocation of Waterford’s Plunkett Station to be part of an integrated transport hub under plans to develop the city’s North Quays.

Works to reinstate the Limerick to Foynes rail line for freight services are underway following funding from the Department of Transport