Cork Chamber in call to ‘maintain momentum’ on commuter rail plan

CORK Chamber has called on all stakeholders involved in the next phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme “to maintain momentum and ensure that these transformative projects are completed without delay”.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday visited Cork to confirm the commencement of the next phase of the CACR programme, which the minister described as “transformative” for Cork.

The next phase is set to deliver eight new commuter rail stations — at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Waterrock, Ballynoe, Blarney, and Dunkettle.

It is also expected to see the electrification of the Cork commuter network, the delivery of a fleet maintenance depot to cater for a new electrified fleet of up to 150 carriages, and the upgrade of nine existing commuter stations on the Cork network.

Iarnród Éireann, together with the multi-disciplinary consultants, will develop the design of the stations, depot, and electrification and associated infrastructure, before applying to An Bord Pleanála for a railway order — equivalent of planning permission — by the end of 2025.

Approval

Asked about the timeline for the delivery of the new stations, the minister said he hoped the stations could be developed “in the next two to three years”, pending An Bord Pleanála approval.

“New stations are relatively easy to build. It doesn’t take that much, it’s basically a platform either side of the line,” said Mr Ryan.

On the new trains, he said:

“It’ll be 2026 when the new trains come into service and the question is do you send them down to Cork or not? And my answer is we do, we give Cork priority.

“We make sure that new services like these are the ones that get them first.”

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said yesterday that the chamber “wholeheartedly welcomes” the commencement of the next phase of the CACR programme.

'Positive Impact'

He said the successful delivery of the projects “will have a lasting positive impact on our community and play a significant role in talent attraction”.

“It is imperative that these projects are delivered on schedule to meet the growing demands of our city and to support our environmental goals,” said Mr Healy.

“We call on all stakeholders to maintain momentum and ensure that these transformative projects are completed without delay.”

Fianna Fáil transport spokesperson, Cork East TD James O’Connor, said it marked a “very big day for public transport in Cork”, adding that he would also like to see a return of the train to Youghal.

Labour Party councillor in the city’s North East ward, John Maher, welcomed that a contractor has been appointed to progress the delivery of the eight new stations.

“This is a long time coming but finally we are moving on this project,” said Mr Maher.

“It is essential that we see stations in Blackpool, Blarney, Dunkettle, and Monard.

“Every door I knock at, people are crying out for public transport.

“This will be great for Cork city. We need to ensure these new trains run late in the evening to boost our night-time economy and we must deliver the two park and rides for Cork’s northside.”