Track laying set to begin on second line to Midleton
Following months of preparatory works on the Glounthaune to Midleton rail corridor, the first section of the new track bed is complete and the project can progress to the next phase of delivery.
Works on this next phase will begin this weekend firstly by repositioning the existing single track to make room for the new second track and then, from early October, the laying of the new second track will commence.
Laying of the new track will take a number of months and is expected to be largely complete by mid-2026.
Further signalling, telecommunications and commissioning works will follow, with the project, funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), on schedule to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Today’s update comes following the recent opening of the €23 million platform 6 at Kent Station. The new platform, also funded by the RRF, marked the delivery of the first element of the overall Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, potentially worth over €1 billion.
Phase 1 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme
Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme incorporates the new platform at Kent Station, together with the 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.
Phase 2 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme
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.
The first Public Consultation on Phase 2 was conducted in June 2025. A second Public Consultation and subsequent lodgement of a Railway Order Application to An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected in 2026.
Overall Programme Status
| Phase 1 - Projects underway | Current Status |
| Kent Station Platform |
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| Signalling & Communications Project |
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| Glounthaune to Midleton Twin-Track Project |
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| Phase 2 | Current Status |
New Stations (and existing station improvements) New Depot Electrification |
|