Cork Rail Network Expands With New Stations And Full Electrification Plans

Second Public Consultation Begins on New Stations, Depot and Electrification for Cork Rail Network

Iarnród Éireann has officially commenced the second round of public consultation regarding the Preferred Option for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail. This transformative programme outlines ambitious plans to introduce an eight-station package, accelerate the delivery of Blackpool and Dunkettle stations, construct a new depot, and achieve full electrification across the entire Cork rail network.

Phase 2 is designed to deliver the remaining infrastructure required to support trains operating at up to every ten-minute intervals across each of the three commuter lines serving Mallow, Midleton, and Cobh. With Phase 1 already well advanced—including the opening of the new Kent Station platform, twin-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton, and re-signalling of the full network—this consultation marks another significant milestone in the delivery of this major investment programme.

The National Transport Authority invites customers, communities, and stakeholders across Cork to provide feedback on these refined proposals. These plans have been updated based on insights gathered during the first non-statutory consultation and now include further detail on key elements. Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine stated that the programme will transform the transport network, ensuring more communities can access high-capacity, frequent, and sustainable rail services.

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien highlighted the project as a transformational investment standing alongside other major public transport initiatives like DART+, Metrolink, and BusConnects. He expressed delight at seeing the proposals advance to this second consultation phase following the successful delivery of recent works.

The consultation process will run for four weeks, closing on 12th June 2026. All interested parties are encouraged to review full details on the project website, which goes live on 15th May 2026. A series of consultation events will be held at Kent Station, Cobh Heritage Centre, Carrigtwohill Community Centre, Blarney GAA, My Place Midleton, and Mallow Station, with Irish Sign Language and Irish language translators available.

Upon completion, submissions will inform the design development and subsequent Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026. Much of the work will follow the existing railway corridor, though new substations and bridge modifications may require land outside current boundaries. This investment is a crucial step toward alleviating road congestion and supporting a low-carbon transition for Cork.