Public Consultation begins on Phase 2 of Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

18 June 2025

Public Consultation begins on Phase 2 of largest ever investment in Cork rail network including 8 new stations.

Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme also seeking feedback on proposals for a new depot and electrification

Iarnród Éireann has today unveiled details of the Emerging Preferred Option for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme which includes proposals for eight new stations, a new fleet maintenance depot and full electrification of the network to support more frequent, reliable and sustainable rail transport for Cork.

Communities across Cork are invited to give their feedback on the proposed plans, part of the broader Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which will ultimately provide for trains operating up to every 10 minutes across each of the three commuter lines to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh.

This non-statutory public consultation is outlining proposals which will ultimately, when the full programme of works is completed, support up to 16 million passenger journeys a year once completed, including details on:

• Eight new stations for Cork including Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock
• Electrification of the Cork rail network to support a new electric train fleet, reduce congestion and cut transport carbon emissions
• A new depot at Ballyrichard More, ideally positioned on the rail network to support planned service expansion and cater for the required electrified fleet
• Two strategic Park & Rides at Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle which will streamline connections from surrounding areas
• 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 & Ride facilities, bus services, cycleways and Cork’s future light rail (LUAS)
• Improved accessibility at new and existing upgraded stations to ensure more customers can gain unassisted access to rail services

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said:

“This project will help transform commuter rail services in Cork. In addition to areas that already have a train service, such as Cobh, Midleton and Mallow, the project’s new stations will bring rail to more communities in the growing suburbs to the north of the City, as well as locations such as Tivoli and Dunkettle to the east. The project will provide all of these areas with a frequent, reliable and sustainable transport service that will improve access to and from the city, in line with the Government’s objectives. Taken alongside the major refurbishments works underway in Galway Ceannt Station, and the new train station under construction in Waterford, today’s consultation once again shows the real focus that this Government has on delivering transport projects across the country.

“I encourage everyone to read these proposals and take part in this consultation.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said:
“I am pleased to see the progress being made on the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. Phase 1 of the Programme is progressing well, with some elements such as the new platform at Kent station already completed. I was delighted to visit the station recently, to see the work at firsthand. The launch of this public consultation today shows how we can build on this work, adding new stations and electrifying the Cork Commuter Rail network. What we see here in Cork, and in our rail projects progressing across the country, is that by investing in efficient and reliable public transport, we can improve passengers’ travel experience, and help people make the shift to more sustainable transport modes.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, who attended the launch, said:
“I am delighted to be here in Cork at the launch of this public consultation for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. In April, we saw the opening of the new through platform here at Kent Station, while just a few miles to the east construction works are already underway, adding a second track to the line between Glounthaune and Midleton, as part of Phase 1 of the Programme.
“Phase 2 of the Programme, for which we launch the public consultation today, will be transformational, offering a major boost in rail access to communities across Cork. This will be a great benefit to the county and I encourage everyone to get involved.”

NTA Head of Rail Investment Marcello Corsi said: NTA is very happy to see these proposals making such progress. The plans provide for significant improvements in commuter rail infrastructure and services, and will be of massive benefit to many communities in the Cork area. We would encourage people to engage with this consultation process.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said at today’s launch at Kent Station: “This is another positive day for our customers and the communities in the Cork region as we continue to progress the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. The overall Programme will deliver a turn up and ride service for customers and ensure more communities in Cork benefit from the increase in capacity, frequency and reliability a fully electrified network can provide. Feedback from the community is important to us and will be central to the ongoing design process. I encourage communities around Cork to engage with the consultation process and have your say in shaping this transformative rail programme.”

Phase 2 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

Phase 2 of the Programme, which will be advanced subject to relevant approvals funding, would see the National Transport Authority act as Approving Authority. Under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will provide for new stations, a new depot, electrification of the network and, with delivery of a new fleet, will ultimately support up to a 10-minute rail service frequency on each of Cork’s three commuter rail lines.

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.

Public Consultation Process

The Public Consultation, which commences today for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, presents the ‘Emerging Preferred Option’ for the project design and is the first of two non-statutory public consultations seeking the public’s feedback on the proposed plans.

The knowledge and insight of customers, residents, and businesses adjacent to the route, as well as other stakeholders, will inform the design and help Iarnród Éireann to shape the project plans, ensuring that it will be beneficial for customers and the communities it will serve.
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 www.irishrail.ie/cacr.

As well as online feedback, a series of consultation events will be held for those who would like to learn more about the project, details of which can be found below.

Upon completion of this consultation, all submissions will be carefully considered by the Programme design team, and these will be used to inform the subsequent design development and the formation of the Preferred Option. A second phase of public consultation will take place when a Preferred Option for the project has been identified.
Much of the project works will follow the existing railway corridor, including the overhead electrification of the existing three rail line. Some works such as the provision of new electrical substations and bridge modification may be required outside of the existing boundary and details of this will be presented as part of the second phase of public consultation later this year.

Details of the consultation events are as follows:

Phase 1 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

Today’s announcement comes following the recent opening of the €23 million platform 6 at Kent Station. The new platform, funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), marks 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 and Cork area signalling and communications upgrade projects, which are both set for completion in 2026.

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.

Overall Programme Status