Public invited to have a say in 'transformational' rail plans for Cork

Eight new train stations are proposed for Cork in plans unveiled this morning, as Iarnród Éireann invites people to have their say on the future of rail transport in Cork.

Iarnród Éireann has unveiled details of the 'Emerging Preferred Option' for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which includes proposals for eight new stations, a new fleet maintenance depot, and full electrification of the network to support more frequent, reliable and sustainable rail transport for Cork.

Feedback

Communities across Cork are invited to give their feedback on the proposed plans, part of the broader Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which will ultimately provide for trains operating up to every 10 minutes across each of the three commuter lines to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh.

This non-statutory public consultation is outlining proposals which will ultimately, when the full programme of works is completed, support up to 16 million passenger journeys a year.

New stations

The plans include eight new stations for Cork in Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock, and the electrification of the Cork rail network.

Other proposed new infrastructure includes a depot at Ballyrichard More to cater for the new electrified fleet, and two park and rides at Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle, which will streamline connections from surrounding areas.

Also included in the plans are station upgrades to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh; improved connections to park and ride facilities, bus services, cycleways and Cork’s future light rail (Luas), as well as improved accessibility at new and existing upgraded stations.

Cork TD and Minister of State with Responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, who attended the launch said phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will be "transformational."

 “In April, we saw the opening of the new through platform here at Kent Station, while just a few miles to the east construction works are already underway, adding a second track to the line between Glounthaune and Midleton, as part of Phase 1 of the programme," said Mr Buttimer.

“Phase 2, for which we launch the public consultation today, will be transformational, offering a major boost in rail access to communities across Cork. This will be a great benefit to the county and I encourage everyone to get involved.” 

Public consultation

The phase 2 public consultation, which commences today, presents the ‘Emerging Preferred Option’ for the project design, and is the first of two non-statutory public consultations seeking public feedback on the proposed plans.

All are encouraged to review the full details for Phase 2, including details on how to contact the team and give feedback, at www.irishrail.ie/cacr.

As well as online feedback, a series of consultation events will be held for those who would like to learn more about the project.

They will take place at Kent Station’s Travel Centre on Platform 4 on June 24; AY Blarney GAA Clun on June 25; at Blackpool Shopping Centre on June 26; My Place in Midleton on July 2; Cobh Community Centre on July 3, and at Mallow Family Resource Centre on July 9. All of the consultation events will run from 4pm - 8pm

There will be a webinar from 7pm to 8.30pm on July 10. To receive the link to join online email cacr@irishrail.ie

Upon completion of this consultation, all submissions will be carefully considered by the programme design team, and these will be used to inform the subsequent design development and the formation of the Preferred Option. 

Positive

A second phase of public consultation will take place when a preferred option for the project has been identified.

Jim Meade, Iarnród Éireann’s chief executive, encouraged people to take part in the consultation.

“This is another positive day for our customers and the communities in the Cork region as we continue to progress the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

“The overall Programme will deliver a turn up and ride service for customers and ensure more communities in Cork benefit from the increase in capacity, frequency and reliability a fully electrified network can provide," said Mr Meade.

“Feedback from the community is important to us and will be central to the ongoing design process. I encourage communities around Cork to engage with the consultation process and have your say in shaping this transformative rail programme.” 

Railway order

A Submission of Railway Order application, the equivalent of planning application, to An Bord Pleanála is expected in 2026.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said that the project will help transform commuter rail services in Cork

“In addition to areas that already have a train service, such as Cobh, Midleton and Mallow, the project’s new stations will bring rail to more communities in the growing suburbs to the north of the city, as well as locations such as Tivoli and Dunkettle to the east," said Mr O'Brien

“The project will provide all of these areas with a frequent, reliable and sustainable transport service that will improve access to and from the city, in line with the Government’s objectives.”