Ambitious rail plans unveiled by Iarnród Éireann for Cork – Plans include eight new train stations
A public consultation has now commenced on Phase 2 of the largest ever investment in Cork rail network as Iarnród Éireann invites people to have their say on the future of rail transport in Cork.
Key elements in Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme include eight new stations for Cork in Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock, and the electrification of the Cork rail network to support a new electric train fleet, reduce congestion and cut transport carbon emissions.
Other parts of the plans include a new depot at Ballyrichard More which will support the maintenance of the new electric fleet and two strategic park and rides at Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle which will streamline connections from surrounding areas.
More plans in Phase 2 of the CACR Programme includes station upgrades to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh to ensure improved accessibility and provide for expected future capacity increases and better connections supporting more integrated transport options, bus services, cycleways and Cork's future light rail (LUAS).
Iarnród Éireann said the plans will help support more frequent, reliable and sustainable rail transport for Cork. 'It's about creating a cleaner, greener, better-connected Cork for the future - supporting communities, cutting emissions, and boosting accessibility across the region. The CACR will deliver a high-frequency, electrified rail system—targeting service every ten minutes - connecting Cork's communities with a fast, sustainable, integrated transport network.'
Communities across Cork are invited to give their feedback on the proposed plans.
All are encouraged to review the full details for Phase 2, including details on how to contact the team and give feedback, at www.irishrail.ie/cacr.
As well as online feedback, a series of consultation events will be held for those who would like to learn more about the project.
They will take place at Kent Station's Travel Centre on Platform 4 on June 24; AY Blarney GAA Clun on June 25; at Blackpool Shopping Centre on June 26; My Place in Midleton on July 2; Cobh Community Centre on July 3, and at Mallow Family Resource Centre on July 9.
All of the consultation events will run from 4-8pm
There will also be a webinar from 7pm to 8.30pm on July 10.
To receive the link to join online email cacr@irishrail.ie
Upon completion of this consultation, all submissions will be carefully considered by the programme design team, and these 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.
Green Party councillor Oliver Moran has welcomed the announcement of a public consultation on the opening of eight new stations for the Cork Commuter Rail Network. "This is where the rubber meets the tarmac for investment in commuter rail in Cork. We're now looking at park and ride on the northside and new stations in Blarney, Blackpool and Dunkettle. That's a quantum leap for public transport for the city.'
Cllr Moran added that this is the beginning of a truly integrated mass transit system for the city and the metropolitan area. 'The picture is forming too about is why it's so important that the Cork Luas meets with Kent Station. This is the high-frequency commuter rail in the metropolitan area connecting with high-frequency light rail across the city is the backbone of that."
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