Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Track Project
Iarnród Éireann plans to upgrade the existing rail line between Glounthaune and Midleton to enhance commuter services into and out of Cork city. The Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Track project covers the area of the network from Cobh Junction to Midleton Station, a total distance of approximately 10km, and will see the upgrading of the existing line to twin track over its entire length.
The Twin Tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton railway will be part of the first packages of work undertaken by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann to deliver the commuter rail vision as set out in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040.
The project will help facilitate an ultimate tripling of service frequency along the line. Along with the completion of the new Kent Station Through Platform, the Proposed Signalling and Communications upgrades and the delivery of a new fleet, Twin Tracking between Glounthaune to Midleton will facilitate a tripling of service frequency along the line while also ensuring a more reliable service for commuters and other rail users to and from the city.
What are the benefits for rail users?
This project will see a second rail track installed along the existing Glounthaune to Midleton line. The delivery of this project along with the completion of the new Kent Station Through Platform, the Proposed Signalling and Communications upgrades and the delivery of a new fleet will facilitate:
- Operation of a higher frequency service up to a 10-minute service from the current 30-minute service
- Increased capacity, better connectivity, and enhanced reliability of the suburban rail network
- Shorter wait times
What works are required?
The main element of the Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Track project consists of the provision of a second track over the full extent of the line. These works will largely be contained within the existing railway corridor and will include the following:
- Addition of 2nd track over the full extent of the line;
- Addition of sidings/turn back facilities at Midleton;
- Modification/replacement of bridges and level crossings to facilitate the twin tracking
- Associated signalling upgrades and alterations;
- All associated civil works (retaining walls, boundary treatments, etc.).
All works completed as part of the project will be compatible with future electrification of the Cork Area Commuter Rail network.
While there will be some disruption to services during construction of the new track, this will be kept to a minimum.
Next Steps
Dheonaigh an Bord Pleanála iarratas ar Ordú Iarnróid i mí na Samhna 2023 chun an dara rian iarnróid molta a thógáil feadh na líne iarnróid 10km idir Gleanntán agus Mainistir na Corann. Ba iad BAM an tairgeoir rathúil ar bronnadh an conradh air le haghaidh na n-oibreacha sibhialta, agus tá tús tógála beartaithe don Fhómhar 2024. Cumasóidh sé seo dhá rian a bheith críochnaithe faoi dheireadh 2026.
The Railway Order documentation can be found at gmttrailwayorder.ie
FAQs
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How will users of the service be impacted during the construction phase?
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What are the benefits of this project for rail users?
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What impact will there be on existing level crossings?
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What is the Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Tracking project?
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What works will be required as part of the project?
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When will a Railway Order application be submitted?
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When will the other projects mentioned be undertaken?
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Where can I find information on the project?
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Why is twin tracking required along this route?
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Will land acquisition be required as part of the project?
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Will there be an Environmental Impact Assessment Report?
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Will trees need to be cut down and vegetation removed?
Project Funding
Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is primarily funded by the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument and augmented by exchequer funding from the Department of Transport, through the NTA.
The centrepiece of NextGenerationEU is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - an instrument that offers grants and loans to support reforms and investments in the EU Member States. RRF funds are being provided to Member States in line with their National Recovery and Resilience plans (NRRP) – the roadmaps to reforms and investments aimed to make EU economies greener, digital and more resilient.
With the further challenges presented by the war in Ukraine, this facility was further opened to support amendments to the NRRPs under REPowerEU - the EU’s plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, boost the independence and security of the Union’s energy supply and accelerate the green transition.
Under the modified NRRP, Ireland will receive €1.15 billion in grants covering the priorities of Advancing the Green Transition, Accelerating and Expanding Digital Reforms and Transformation, Social and Economic Recovery and Job Creation and REPowerEU.