Cork Area Commuter Rail

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Project?

  The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme is the largest-ever investment in Cork’s rail network, and a key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategy (CMATS) 2040 designed to deliver more trains, better connections, and a greener future.
  
  The programme will be delivered in phases. Phase 1 consists of the Kent Station Through Platform, the twin tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton Line and a full signalling and telecommunications upgrade across the network. Each of these projects are already underway or completed. 
  
  Phase 2 consists primarily of the construction of 8 new stations, upgrades to existing stations, electrification of the network and a new depot. It is the plans for these elements of the programme that are being presented as part of this public consultation.
   

• What is being delivered in Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme?

  Phase 1 of the programme will deliver the Kent Station Through Platform, the twin tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton Line and a full signalling and telecommunications upgrade across the network.

  • The new through platform, consisting of platform 5b and 6, at Kent Station will support through running services from Cobh/Midleton as part of the overall Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. Construction was completed in March 2025 with the platforms officially entering service in April 2025.
  • The Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Track project consists of the provision of a second track over the full extent of the Midleton Line to support the planned increase service frequency and capacity to be delivered by the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

  • Signalling and Communications Upgrade to facilitate more train movements and ensure a more resilient rail network.

• What is being delivered in Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme?

  Phase 2 of the programme includes the delivery of 8 new stations, upgrades to existing stations, electrification of the network and a new depot:  
  
  

  • New Stations (Blarney, Monard, Blackpool, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West, Water-Rock) 
  • Upgrades to existing stations (Mallow, Cobh) 
  • Strategic Park & Ride facilities at Blarney and Dunkettle 
  • Level Crossing Closures  
  • New Depot 
  • Electrification 

  Separate Section 34 planning applications for new Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations are being progressed by Iarnród Éireann (‘the applicant’) to Cork City and Cork County Councils respectively, for permission for development under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). 

• How will feedback be used?

  Once public consultation is complete, the project team will analyse comments received and take account of the contributions in confirming the preferred end to end configuration of the scheme. A Non-Statutory Public Consultation No.2 Findings Report will be produced and published as part of the Statutory Consultation facilitated by An Coimisiún Pleanála
   

• What are the key improvements included in this round of Public Consultation?

  • New & Improved Stations – 6 new stations and upgrades to the existing Mallow  and Cobh Stations.  
  • Better Connections – More integrated transport options, including a Strategic  Park & Ride. 
  • An Electrified Network – Electrification and a low-emissions fleet to reduce congestion and cut carbon emissions. 
  • 10-Minute Service Frequency – Up to a 10-minute service frequency that will increase capacity and provide a better customer experience for Cork rail users.  

• What are the benefits for commuters and communities?

  The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will deliver increased train capacity enabling up to a 10 - minute service frequency, providing for more connected communities and a more sustainable transport network. Additionally, the provision of new stations as well as upgrades to existing stations will connect communities and support compact urban growth across the Cork Metropolitan Area. The Programme will also provide for a more efficient, sustainable, low carbon and climate resilient heavy rail network that will reduce road congestion and support Ireland’s transition to a greener future.
   

• What are the new stations?

  The six new stations are being introduced on the existing rail network and will be delivered in alignment with adjoining land development strategies. Each new station has been carefully planned to enhance connectivity and improve access to key areas, supporting both commuters and local communities.  

  Blarney Station: The proposed location of the new station at Blarney is adjacent to the future Stoneview development, approximately 1.5km northeast of Blarney town centre, along Station Road near the location of the historic Blarney station. 

  Monard Station: The proposed Monard station will be located within a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), in the town of Monard, just west of Rathpeacon Bridge. 

  Tivoli Station: The proposed Tivoli Station, as mentioned in the Port of Cork’s masterplan, is strategically location near the Lee Estuary, East of Cork City, at the heart of the proposed Tivoli Docks Development. 

  Carrigtwohill West Station: The proposed station will be accessible from Carrigtwohill Business & Technology Park and Fota Retail Park. 

  Water-Rock Station: The proposed Water-Rock Station is located west of Midleton, along the existing Glounthaune to Midleton line and is within the Water Rock Urban Expansion Area. 

  Ballynoe Station: : The proposed Ballynoe Station will be located in the townland of Ballynoe, north of Cobh, adjacent to the River Lee, and is identified within the Ballynoe Urban Expansion Area. 
   

• Which stations are being upgraded?

  The stations of Mallow and Cobh will have additional platforms, enhanced accessibility features and passenger facilities for a faster, more comfortable experience.  
   

• Where are the Strategic Park and Ride facilities?

  Supported by the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategy (CMATS) 2040, the new Blarney will include a Strategic Park & Ride that will streamline connections from the surrounding areas. The locations of the Strategic Park & Ride facilities are supported by modelling and analysis undertaken by the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme Team during the development of the Preferred Option to support the proposed Cork rail capacity increases. Additionally, under the Railway Order, increased parking provision at the accelerated Dunkettle station will be included for to support the planned increase in services.
  
  The proposed strategic Park & Ride facilities will each provide between 400 and 600 spaces,. This capacity may be implemented on a phased basis, subject to demand.
   

• Why is a new Depot needed?

  Currently, the heavy maintenance required for the existing Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) fleet is carried out in the Limerick Depot, with routine maintenance being carried out at Cork Depot (adjacent to Kent Station). To meet the needs of the CACR Programme and to support the train service specification (TSS), a new Depot facility will be required to support the maintenance and stabling of the new fleet required to support the frequency and capacity enhancements intended by the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. The new Depot will also be required to provide appropriate facilities for the accommodation for Iarnród Eireann staff. The proposed new Depot is located on a site in Ballyrichard More. The site is east of Carrigtwohill and bound by the Carrigane Road (L3617) to the north.