Public to have its say on next phase of Cork rail

Public consultation is now open for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme which promises eight new stations and full electrification of the commuter network.

The ambitious second phase of the programme aims to ultimately support a 10 minute rail service frequency on each of Cork’s three commuter rail lines: Midleton, Cobh, and Mallow.

The next phase also includes proposals for a new fleet maintenance depot at Ballyrichard More which will support planned service expansion and cater for the incoming electrified fleet.

Two strategic park & rides at Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle are also included in Phase 2, as well as station upgrades to Mallow, Midleton, and Cobh to ensure improved accessibility.

Iarnród Éireann unveiled details of the Emerging Preferred Option for Phase 2 yesterday, Wednesday, marking the beginning of a period of public consultation.

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation at Kent Station was Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport and TD for Cork South-Central, Jerry Buttimer.

“In April, we saw the opening of the new through platform here at Kent Station, while just a few miles to the east construction works are already underway, adding a second track to the line between Glounthaune and Midleton, as part of Phase 1 of the Programme,” said Mr Buttimer.

“Phase 2 of the programme, for which we launch the public consultation today, will be transformational, offering a major boost in rail access to communities across Cork. This will be a great benefit to the county, and I encourage everyone to get involved,” he added.

The public consultation is the first of two non-statutory public consultations seeking the public’s feedback on the proposed plans. The knowledge and insight of customers, residents, and businesses adjacent to the route, as well as other stakeholders, will inform the design and help Iarnród Éireann to 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 irishrail.ie/cacr.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade described Wednesday’s launch as “another positive day” for customers and the communities of Cork.

“The overall programme will deliver a turn up and ride service for customers and ensure more communities in Cork benefit from the increase in capacity, frequency, and reliability a fully electrified network can provide,” said Mr Meade.

“Feedback from the community is important to us and will be central to the ongoing design process. I encourage communities around Cork to engage with the consultation process and have your say in shaping this transformative rail programme,” he added.

As well as online feedback, Iarnród Éireann will host a series of consultation events at various locations in Cork city and county over the coming weeks.

Once the consultation is complete, all submissions will be considered by the programme design team and will be used to inform the subsequent design development and the formation of the Preferred Option. A second phase of public consultation will take place when a Preferred Option for the project has been identified.

Welcoming the launch of Phase 2, Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said: “This project will help transform commuter rail services in Cork. In addition to areas that already have a train service, such as Cobh, Midleton and Mallow, the project’s new stations will bring rail to more communities in the growing suburbs to the north of the city, as well as locations such as Tivoli and Dunkettle to the east.

“The project will provide all of these areas with a frequent, reliable, and sustainable transport service that will improve access to and from the city,” he added.

Yesterday’s announcement comes following the recent opening of the €23 million platform 6 at Kent Station as part of Phase 1 of the programme.

The new platform, funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), marked the delivery of the first element of the overall Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, potentially worth over €1 billion.

24 June Kent Station, Travel Centre on Platform from 4-8pm.

25 June Blarney GAA Club, from 4-8pm.

26 June Blackpool Shopping Centre, Cork city, 4-8pm.

2 July Midleton - My Place Midleton, 4-8pm.

3 July Cobh Community Centre, 4-8pm.

9 July Mallow Family Resource Centre, 4-8pm.

10 July Webinar, 7-8.30pm. Email cacr@irishrail.ie to receive the link to join online.