Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has announced the next phase of the transformation of Cork's rail network, with planning now underway for eight new commuter stations.
The new stations will be across the Cobh, Midleton and Mallow lines, along with a new depot and the electrification of the network.
Funded by the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040, Iarnród Éireann has awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan.
The next phase of the transformation of Cork’s commuter rail network begins:
🚉 8 new stations incl 2 park & ride
🚆 New depot for future fleet
⚡️ Electrification of services
⏱️ Capacity for trains up to every 10 mins to/from Cobh, Midleton, Mallow
ℹ️ https://t.co/JJXe6tzRVu pic.twitter.com/oLWSp3MFEN— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) May 24, 2024
They will be responsible for the design, planning and construction of this phase of the Cork commuter rail network investment.
The investment will include new stations at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Waterrock, Ballynoe, Blarney and Dunkettle.
It will also involve the creation of a fleet maintenance depot to cater for a new electrified fleet of up to 150 carriages. Design development and review will take place prior to confirmation of the preferred depot location.
The programme will also lead to the upgrade of nine existing commuter stations in the Cork area and the electrification of the network.
Mr Ryan said the development will deliver a rail network offering high frequency, high quality rail commuter services to more communities, with a network capacity of trains up to every 10 minutes on all three commuter lines – Cork to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
"The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State," he said.
"It will completely transform transport in and around the city, increasing train capacity and frequency, and connecting communities from Cobh to Midleton to Mallow along a sustainable and reliable rail spine.
"This is a good day for Cork and is another stepping-stone in our ambition to introduce a new age of rail, here in the Rebel County, and right across the country. With new services and increased capacity nationally, we are already seeing a real resurgence in the numbers of people choosing to use the train.
"This is not just good for rail users themselves, but it’s also good for everyone travelling because it means less cars on our roads, and less congestion, so everyone’s a winner with rail."
Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority, said the announcement represents a welcome step in the process of investment in rail infrastructure in the Cork area.
“It is also a clear signal of intent on the part of NTA that delivering for the people of Cork by implementing the various aspects of CMATS is now a priority."
Iarnród Éireann chief executive Jim Meade said the rail company is seeing “record demand” across its Cork commuter rail network.
"We look forward to working with our consultants, and the NTA, EURRF and Department of Transport to deliver a network that will facilitate millions more sustainable journeys for the people of Cork and those visiting every year."
Iarnród Éireann anticipates applying to An Bord Pleanála for a railway order (equivalent of planning permission) by the end of 2025.
Friday’s announcement is in addition to three ongoing projects in the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme which will treble the capacity for trains on Cork’s commuter network.
These existing projects are funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040.
Work began in the summer last year on a new through platform at Kent Station in Cork, which is on target for delivery by the end of this year.
In February this year, work got underway on a signalling and communications upgrade facilitating the 10-minute frequency on all three commuter lines.
This €180 million investment has seen a design and build contract awarded for the new signalling system and civil works. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Finally, a railway order was granted by An Bord Pleanála in October last year for the Glounthaune to Midleton twin track. A contract award for construction is to be made in the coming months, and the project is due to be completed by the end of 2026.
