How is the project aligned with climate and sustainability goals?
The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is fully aligned with Cork’s and Ireland’s broader plans for sustainable growth and contributes to Ireland's legally binding commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with national climate objectives and supporting the broader decarbonisation of the transport sector.It delivers key objectives of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, enabling more people to choose public transport and supporting a shift towards lower-carbon, multi-modal travel.
The Programme contributes directly to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2025 and is aligned with Project Ireland 2040 and the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI). Locally, it supports the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and City and County Development Plans, ensuring that transport investment matches planned housing, employment, and community growth, all fundamental to sustainable development.