Taoiseach and EU commissioner open new platform at Cork's Kent Station

The new platform 6 at Kent Station was officially opened this morning by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, EU commissioner Michael McGrath, transport minister Darragh O’Brien, minister of state at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer, and Jim Meade, Iarnród Éireann CEO.

The €23m project, which was funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), marks the completion of the first in a series of interrelated projects being delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.

The programme is potentially worth over €1bn to the city, and is envisaged as ultimately facilitating a 10-minute service frequency for the Cork rail network.

The first phase of the programme incorporates the new 220-metre-long platform, together with the RRF-funded Glounthaune to Midleton twin-track and the Cork area signalling and communications upgrade projects, which are both set for completion in 2026.

This phase will deliver the network capacity to allow for significant increase in train service frequency on each of Cork’s three commuter lines: to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the opening of the new platform marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the largest ever investment in the Cork rail network.

“It is a fundamental step in achieving not only improved rail transport capacity and frequency, but also in providing a more accessible, efficient and reliable rail service for the people of Cork,” he said.

“Works are also well underway on the twin tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line and a significant signalling upgrade - two other elements of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

“These projects, along with the new platform, will lay the foundation for further future enhancements of Cork rail services.” Ireland’s EU commissioner, Michael McGrath, said the €23m investment, supported by the RRF would not only increase the capacity and frequency of services, but would also play a key role in creating a more sustainable and integrated transport network in Cork.

“It is a testament to the crucial impact of EU funding in building greener, more resilient transport solutions that benefit communities and economies alike,” he said.

Transport minister Darragh O'Brien said he was delighted to have a close-up view of the first phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.

“This project will bring great benefit to the people of Cork and all who travel around this beautiful county, not only by making public transport more comfortable and efficient, but by increasing the variety of travel options available and reducing our dependency on cars,” he said.

Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state at the Department of Transport, said he looked forward to the completion of the next stages of the project.

“As a Cork TD, I am proud of this Government’s commitment to investing in the city,” he said.

It is planned that services using the new platform will be introduced on a phased basis, with some Intercity and Midleton services operating to and from the platform and some through services from Midleton to Mallow introduced over the coming months.

It is envisaged that, when fully completed, the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme will support the following over the longer-term:

A ‘turn up and ride’ service with up to a 10-minute frequency, delivering more capacity and a better customer experience for all rail users.

A more efficient and integrated transport network for Cork, with a multi-modal transport hub at Kent Station to promote a shift from the private car.

A more connected, sustainable and accessible rail service for rail customers through new stations, electrification of the network, and Park and Ride interchange points.

An additional fleet and fleet maintenance depot to provide the rolling stock to meet existing and future passenger demand.