Iarnród Éireann Welcomes Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme's Critical Infrastructure Designation

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine has welcomed the Government’s designation of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme as Critical Infrastructure.

The Chief Executive said “today’s critical designation by Government prioritises the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and enables Iarnród Éireann to accelerate delivery of this transformative package of projects. By streamlining the decision making process around the programme's delivery, Iarnród Éireann will be able to deliver 8 new stations and a high capacity, high frequency and more sustainable rail network more quickly for Cork. We thank the Government for prioritising this important project which will bring improved rail services and improved quality of life to local communities.”

About the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme is a key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, developed by the National Transport Authority in partnership with Cork City and County Councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This transformative investment will enhance the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh, and Midleton, with increased train capacity, frequency, and new stations.

Phase 1 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

Works on Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme are well advanced. In 2025 the new €23 million platform 6 at Kent Station opened. Funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the platform marked the delivery of the first element of the overall Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, potentially worth over €1 billion. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme incorporates the new platform, together with the RRF-funded Glounthaune to Midleton twin-track, set for completion in 2026, and Cork area signalling and communications upgrade, set for completion in 2027.

This phase will deliver the network capacity to allow for significant increase in train service frequency on each of Cork’s three commuter lines: to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.

Artist's impression of a modern railway station with two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge, trains at the platforms, and a large car park.

Phase 2 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

As well as enhancing access to sustainable public transport for new and existing communities, Cork Area Commuter Rail will alleviate road congestion and build a more connected, efficient, and safe rail network, supporting our transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society, less reliant on private cars.

Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which includes an additional 6 new stations, electrification and a new fleet maintenance depot completed its second round of non-statutory Public Consultation in June 2026, with Railway Order application expected by the end of 2026.

Further project details can be found at www.irishrail.ie/cacr.