Second Public Consultation begins on new stations, new depot and electrification for Cork rail network
Iarnród Éireann has today launched public consultation on the Preferred Option for Phase 2 of Cork Area Commuter Rail, the transformational rail improvement programme which includes proposals for an eight station package (including the accelerated delivery of Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations), a new depot and full electrification of the Cork rail network.
Phase 2 will deliver the remaining infrastructure to support trains operating up to every 10 minutes across each of the three commuter lines to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh.
With Phase 1 of the programme well advanced, including the new Kent Station platform, twin-tracking of Glounthaune to Midleton and re-signalling of the full Cork network, consultation on Phase 2 is another significant milestone in the delivery of the Cork investment programme.
Customers, communities and stakeholders across Cork are invited to give feedback on the proposed plans which have been refined based on feedback received during the first non-statutory public consultation and now also include further detail on:
- Network electrification and the OHLE (overhead power lines)
- Substations required to support full electrification
- Construction and maintenance compound locations
- Interventions to existing structures
- Depot access
Iarnród Éireann are seeking feedback on the following elements of Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme:
- Six additional stations for Cork including Blarney, Monard, Tivoli, 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
- Strategic Park and Ride site at Blarney station. Park and Ride will also be provided at the new Dunkettle Station
- Station upgrades to Cobh and Mallow to ensure improved accessibility and provide for expected future capacity increases at these key stations
- Better connections supporting more integrated transport options, including Park and 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
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said:
“The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will transform the Cork transport network. Phase 1 is largely complete, and the delivery of Phase 2 will ensure more communities across Cork can access high capacity, high frequency and more sustainable rail transport. Feedback from surrounding communities is important and will be central to finalising design proposals. I encourage everyone to engage with the consultation process and have your say in shaping this transformative rail investment programme.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said:
“The Cork Area Commuter Rail programme is one of a number of transformational projects for public transport in the state, standing alongside our DART+, Metrolink and BusConnects investments. Building on the successful delivery of Phase 1 of the programme in recent years, which has seen a new platform open at Kent Station and significant double tracking and resignalling works now nearing completion, I am delighted to see the proposals for the further development of the Cork rail network advance to the second public consultation.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said:
“I am very pleased to see the launch of the second public consultation on this important rail project, which will deliver additional stations, better more frequent services, and sustainable electric transport for the people of Cork and its surrounding hinterland. We are committed to delivering improved public transport north, south, east and west in this country, and the Cork Area Commuter rail plans are a very important part of this. I would encourage everyone to read the proposals and submit their views and comments. This is a collaborative process which will result in greatly improved rail transport in the Cork area.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, said:
“This is an important project not only for Cork city, but for the North and East of the county, improving trains and services in locations stretching from Mallow to Midleton and Cobh. I encourage everyone to take part in this consultation.”
Chief Executive of National Transport Authority Anne Shaw said:
“This next phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is all about making a real difference for passengers and communities across the city and suburbs. By improving access to frequent, reliable and sustainable rail services, alongside our broader transport connectivity ambitions for Cork including Bus Connects and Luas, it will make everyday journeys easier while supporting the continued growth of Cork.
We encourage passengers, residents and local communities to take part in the consultation and help shape a rail network that works for everyone.”
Public Consultation Process
The second round of non-statutory Public Consultation presenting the ‘Preferred Option’ for the design of 6 new stations, the new fleet maintenance depot and electrification infrastructure for the Cork network is commences today for a four-week period, closing on 12th June 2026.
This consultation, the second of two non-statutory consultation periods, is asking for the public’s feedback on proposed plans as local knowledge will continue to inform the design and help shape the project plans.
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. The website will be live from 10:00hrs on Friday 15th May 2026.
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 design team, and these will be used to inform the subsequent design development and the formation of the Railway Order documentation.
A Railway Order Application will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026 at which point there will be a statutory consultation period where the public will be invited, via public notices, to make submissions directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála. These submissions will be considered in its decision-making process.
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 new depot, provision of new electrical substations and bridge modifications will be required outside of the existing boundary as detailed in the project proposals.
Details of the consultation events are as follows:
| Date | Location | Time |
| 19/05/2026 | Kent Station - Travel Centre on Platform 4 Irish Sign Language (ISL) and Irish (Gaeilge) translators available | 16:00 – 20:00hrs |
| 20/05/2026 | Cobh – Cobh Heritage Centre Irish Sign Language (ISL) and Irish (Gaeilge) translators available | 16:00 – 20:00hrs |
| 21/05/2026 | Carrigtwohill – Carrigtwohill Community Centre Irish Sign Language (ISL) and Irish (Gaeilge) translators available | 16:00 – 20:00hrs |
| 26/05/2026 | Blarney – Blarney GAA Irish (Gaeilge) translator available | 16:00 – 20:00hrs |
| 27/05/2026 | Midleton - My Place Midleton Irish (Gaeilge) translator available | 16:00 – 20:00hrs |
| 28/05/2026 | Mallow - Mallow Station Irish (Gaeilge) translator available | 16:00 – 20:00hrs |
| 10/06/2026 | Webinar - email cacr@irishrail.ie to receive the link to join | 19:00 – 20:30hrs |
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 €1.5 billion.
Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme incorporates the new platform, together with the RRF-funded Glounthaune to Midleton twin-track (set for completion in 2026) and Cork area signalling and communications upgrade projects (set for completion in 2027).
Phase 2 Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme
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, ultimately support up to a 10-minute 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, the Cork rail investment programme 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.
Overall Programme Status
| Phase 1 - Underway | Current Status |
| Kent Station Platform |
|
| Signalling and Communications Project |
|
| Glounthaune to Midleton Twin-Track Project |
|
| Phase 2 | Current Status |
New Stations (and existing station improvements) New Depot Electrification |
|