Cork Area Commuter Rail

The non-statutory public consultation for Revised Depot Access Road Preferred Option is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation process and attended our in-person consultation events. Your feedback and engagement are greatly appreciated and will help inform the ongoing development of the programme.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme is a key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040 and represents a significant investment in the future of public transport across the Cork region. The programme will enhance the heavy rail network connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton through increased train capacity and frequency, the delivery of new stations, rail electrification, re-signalling, and supporting infrastructure.

By providing a more efficient, reliable and sustainable public transport network, the CACR Programme will support regional growth, improve connectivity, and encourage a shift from private car use to public transport, contributing to a lower-carbon and more climate-resilient transport system.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is being progressed through a number of separate but interrelated projects, which will be delivered through a series of phased work packages.

Delivery in Phases

Phase 1

Phase 1 includes the delivery of the Kent Station Through Platform, twin tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton, and a comprehensive upgrade of signalling and communications systems.

Phase 2

Phase 2 focuses on proposals for eight new stations, two station upgrades, a new depot, and full electrification of the Cork rail network. 

This is more than a rail upgrade. It's about creating a cleaner, greener, better-connected Cork for the future - supporting communities, cutting emissions, and boosting accessibility across the region.

The CACR will deliver a high-frequency, electrified rail system-targeting service every 10 minutes - connecting Cork's communities with a fast, sustainable, integrated transport network.

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CACR Network Map


Key Elements of Phase 2

  • New stations for Cork including Blarney, Monard, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock, along with accelerated Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations. 
  • Electrification of the Cork rail network to support a new electric train fleet, reduce congestion and cut transport carbon emissions
  • A new depot will support the maintenance of the new electric fleet
  • A Strategic Park and Rides site at Blarney station. Park and Ride will also be provided at the new, accelerated,Dunkettle Station.
  • Station upgrades to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh to ensure improved accessibility and provide for expected future capacity increases at these three key stations
  • Better connections supporting more integrated transport options, including Park and Ride facilities, bus services, cycleways and Cork's future light rail (LUAS)


Public Consultation Materials    

    • You can contact the project team through the following channels:

    Email: CACR@irishrail.ie

    Phone: 087-673-3387

    ** Our phone line is open 24 hours a day. If you leave a message, we'll aim to return your call between 9:30am and 5pm the next working day. 

    Postal Address: If you would prefer to write to us, please send it or any correspondence to:

    CACR Community,

    Liaison Officer,

    Iarnród Éireann,

    1 Horgan's Quay,

    Waterfront Square,

    Cork. T23 PPT8


    Next steps

    The public will be kept informed as the Programme progresses through each stage. Everyone is invited to provide feedback and ensure that local knowledge and insights are reflected in the final design and service delivery.  

    Once the Railway Order Application is submitted there will be a statutory consultation period run by An Coimisiún Pleanála where the public will be invited, via public notices, to make submissions, directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála which the Comission will consider in its decision-making process.

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