Planning permission to be sought for two new Cork train stations 

Iarnród Éireann is to lodge a planning application for the development of a new train station at Blackpool this week, with an application for an additional station at Dunkettle to follow within weeks.

The two new stations are the first of eight set to be delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

Blackpool will be served by trains on the Mallow to Cork route, with Dunkettle set to be a park and ride served by both Cobh and Midleton trains, as services on all routes will expand with new trains being added to the network.

Iarnród Éireann is also set to apply for planning, via a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year, for electrification of the Cork network, an additional six stations, and a depot for the new fleet.

At the proposed Blackpool and Dunkettle station developments, located on existing Iarnród Éireann land, daily passenger journeys are expected to exceed 5,200 across both locations by 2035.

Choices

NTA Chief Executive, Anne Shaw said: “These stations will open up fast, frequent and reliable rail services to thousands of people, giving communities real choices and helping shift everyday travel onto the TFI Network.

“By accelerating this investment, we are bringing the vision of a connected Cork much closer to reality. This work supports a growing city, eases pressure on the roads and delivers a network designed around the needs of passengers today, and in the years ahead."

Construction of the stations is expected to commence in 2027, subject to planning approvals and funding allocation, and take up to two years to complete

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the Cork rail network in the history of the State, and the new stations, construction of a new depot and electrification works have been allocated funding by the Department of Transport.

Minister of state at the department and Cork TD Jerry Buttimer, said: “This is about supporting Cork’s growth, reducing congestion, and making sustainable travel an attractive choice for all in our communities.” 

The proposed new Blackpool station will be located near the historic Blackpool Station, bounded by Dublin Hill Road and Redforge Road, and will be serviced by up to 10 trains daily, with ambition to increase service levels further in future.

The station will feature two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge from either side of the railway via stairs and accessible lifts, and provide for accessible parking spaces, EV charging points, motorcycle parking, a bus/taxi/car set down areas, bicycle stands and bicycle lockers.

Interchange

The Dunkettle station will be located near the interchange, bounded by the L3004 to the north and the N25 to the south and accessed via an existing access road located to the west connecting to North Esk Link Road.

It will be served by two commuter lines, with a significant service uplift expected following completion of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme of works, up to every five minutes each way.

The station will feature two platforms connection by a pedestrian footbridge from either side of the railway via stairs and accessible lifts and provide a 300 space park and ride facility alongside the new facility, with scope for additional parking capacity in future.

Labour councillor John Maher described the plans as a positive step towards delivering public transport for the northside and allowing people in Mallow to come shop in Blackpool.

“This is fantastic news. I’ve heard about this for so long and it’s great that at long last it’ll be delivered,” he said, adding that the residents of Dublin Hill should see improved pedestrian crossings and more traffic calming in their area as a result of it.

Independent Ireland councillor Noel O’Flynn also welcomed the news that the planning applications were to be lodged, saying: “I have campaigned for this for 35 years.”