Work on two new Cork rail stations is on track for 2026

Irish Rail hopes to begin construction on two new rail stations in Dunkettle and Blackpool/Kilbarry this year.

A key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategy 2040, the two locations are part of the eight new stations planned for the city region, and approval for the first two stations could be sought within weeks.

There are three new stations planned on the Mallow line at Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, and Blackpool/Kilbarry, four on the Midleton line at Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, and Water Rock, and one on the Cobh line at Ballynoe.

The Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle stations will also have park and ride facilities on offer. An Irish Rail spokesperson confirmed to The Echo that planning is being brought forward for the proposed Blackpool/Kilbarry and Dunkettle stations.

They said: “Iarnród Éireann undertook an early design public consultation in summer 2025 on the next elements of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, including the eight new stations, new depot, and electrification.

“Feedback from this consultation has been incorporated into the designs where appropriate.

“We are planning to bring two of the stations, Dunkettle and Blackpool/Kilbarry, forward under individual planning applications, which we would hope to submit in the coming weeks.

“Subject to planning approval and funding, works could commence within the next 12 months.”

The spokesperson added: “On the balance of the programme, including the other stations, design work is continuing, with a second public consultation planned for spring 2026, during which the preferred options for stations will be presented.

“This will be followed by the submission of a railway order later in the year and the associated statutory approvals process to An Coimisiún Pleanála.”

They added: “Construction timelines will depend on the outcome of that statutory process.”