Irish Rail ask public for views on upgrades to Cork train services

Members of the public are being asked to make their views known on planned upgrades to train services in Cork, including six new stations along the three existing commuter lines.

Irish Rail has launched a public consultation on the preferred option for phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail rail improvement programme, which includes proposals for eight new stations, a new depot, and full electrification of the Cork rail network.

Phase 2 will deliver the remaining infrastructure to support trains operating up to every 10 minutes across each of the three commuter lines to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh.

Irish Rail wants feedback from customers, communities and stakeholders across Cork on the proposed plans, which have been refined based on feedback received during the first public consultation.

It wants people’s opinions on network electrification and overhead power lines, substations, construction, maintenance and depot access.

Stations at Kilbarry, Blackpool, and Dunkettle are being fast-tracked, but feedback is being sought on the six additional stations at Blarney, Monard, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock, as well as a new depot at Ballyrichard More, a park and ride site at Blarney station, and station upgrades to Cobh and Mallow.

Transform the network

Iarnród Éireann chief executive Mary Considine said: “The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will transform the Cork transport network.

“Phase 1 is largely complete, and the delivery of phase 2 will ensure more communities across Cork can access high-capacity, high-frequency and more sustainable rail transport.

“Feedback from surrounding communities is important and will be central to finalising design proposals.”

Local TD and minister of state with responsibility for rural transport Jerry Buttimer said: “This is an important project not only for Cork city, but for the north and east of the county, improving trains and services in locations stretching from Mallow to Midleton and Cobh.”

The second round of consultation began on Friday and will run for a four-week period, closing on June 12.

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

A series of consultation events will be held for those who would like to learn more about the project, at Kent Station, Cobh, Carrigtwohill, Blarney, Midleton and Mallow, as well as a webinar.

More information on these sessions is available at the above website.

Submission considered by design team

Upon completion of the consultation, all submissions will be considered by the design team, and used to inform the subsequent design development and the formation of the Railway Order documentation.

A railway order application will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026, at which point there will be a statutory consultation period where the public will be invited, via public notices, to make submissions directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála. These submissions will be considered in its decision-making process.

Much of the project works will follow the existing railway corridor, including the overhead electrification of the existing three rail lines.