Cork’s commuter network is set for a dramatic overhaul as Irish Rail commits €1.8 billion to a project that will bring high-frequency, electrified services to the region.
Mary Considine, the network’s chief executive, outlined the ambitious plans at a Cork Chamber Business Breakfast. The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme will ultimately connect Mallow, Cork city, Cobh, and Midleton, with a complete transformation of the current service. The route will be fully electrified, enabling Dart-style, all-day services with trains running every ten minutes.
A key part of the plan involves eight new stations. According to Ms Considine, planning is now moving forward for the first two at Blackpool and Dunkettle, which will include park-and-ride facilities. Further stations are earmarked for Blarney, Monard, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West, and Water Rock.
Initial work is already complete, with a new platform, signalling, and junction upgrades at Kent Station. The project to install twin tracks between Glounthaune and Midleton is on track to be finished this year.
The electrification of Cork’s network will be phased in. From 2027, the service will initially be operated by trains redeployed from the Dublin Dart+ expansion, before a brand-new, dedicated electric fleet arrives.
“There’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity now to address historic underinvestment in rail and make rail the sustainable backbone of transport,” Ms Considine said, placing the Cork investment at the heart of a national shift towards greener transport.
You can check live train times and timetable information at https://incobh.com/trains
Author: In Cobh
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