Project works have been completed at Little Island.

New passenger information systems alongtwo Cork lines

Real-time information accessibility and customer experience is set to improve for rail users travelling on the Cobh and Midleton lines, it was announced yesterday, Wednesday.

Iarnród Éireann has said that this will be done through the installation of new passenger information systems in all stations on both routes.

Project works, which include new dual language passenger information screens, public address speakers, help points, CCTV and induction hearing loops, have been completed at Little Island, Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill, Rushbrooke, Cobh and Midleton.

Meanwhile works at Fota and Carrigaloe will be completed and fully commissioned over the coming weeks. The project is funded by the National Transport Authority. Centrally controlled from Mallow Crossing Control Centre, the digital displays will provide passenger information in both Irish and English and thus provide a more inclusive, reliable and accessible experience for all rail users.

Kent Station now also has the upgraded passenger information displays and Mallow Station is set to receive a similar upgrade in customer information systems over the coming months. A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said: “The customer information systems project links directly to the works being progressed under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, the largest ever investment in the Cork rail network, which will deliver capacity for a 10 minute service frequency on the network compared to the current 30 minute service, building more connected communities and delivering a more sustainable transport network.”

The Cork Area

Commuter Rail

Programme includes:

• Development of the three existing railway corridors in the Cork area providing a high frequency north-east connection through the city

• Multi-model integrated transport hub at Kent Station to promote model shift from the private car

• Additional rolling stock to meet existing and future demand

• New stations at Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, Water Rock, and Ballynoe and Park & Ride interchange points.