Blackpool Set to Get New Train Station as Planning Permission Nears Approval

Iarnród Éireann is set to be granted planning permission by Cork City Council for a new train station at Blackpool, marking the first of eight new stations planned under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

The station, located near the site of the historic Blackpool Station and bounded by Dublin Hill Road and Redforge Road, will be served by existing commuter services on the Mallow to Cork route. Service levels are set to increase as new rolling stock is introduced to the network.

Blackpool Station will initially be served by up to 10 trains daily, with the ambition to increase this further once the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is complete. The station will feature two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge, with access via stairs and fully accessible lifts on either side. It will also include accessible parking, EV charging points, motorcycle parking, bus, taxi and car set-down areas, bicycle stands and bicycle lockers, along with infrastructure to support future electrification.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, said:

"Accelerated delivery of a new station at Blackpool ensures we can provide a more sustainable transport option for Blackpool, Kilbarry and surrounding communities in advance of completion of the overall rail investment in Cork. The first of eight new stations, Blackpool will be served initially by 10 trains daily with a further uplift in service envisioned upon completion of the wider programme. The station will provide a vital public transport connection to Blackpool Shopping Centre and the residential developments underway locally."

Eoin Gillard, Assistant Director, Transport Investment at the National Transport Authority, added:

"The National Transport Authority (NTA) welcomes the decision by Cork City Council to grant planning permission for the development of a new railway station at Blackpool. The proposed station forms a key element of the wider improvements envisaged under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), particularly in relation to the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. The delivery of Blackpool Station will enhance public transport accessibility, support sustainable travel choices and help meet the growing transport needs of the Cork metropolitan area. The NTA looks forward to continuing to work closely with Iarnród Éireann and other key stakeholders to advance the project through the next stages of development and delivery."

The Blackpool development sits on existing Iarnród Éireann land, allowing for accelerated delivery. A planning application has also recently been lodged for a new station at Dunkettle, which is set to become a major park and ride facility served by both the Cobh and Midleton rail lines.

Blackpool and Dunkettle will be the first of eight stations delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which aims to provide a ten minute service frequency on the Cobh, Midleton and Mallow commuter routes. The wider programme also includes a new platform at Kent Station, now complete, twin tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton, largely complete, and re-signalling of the Cork commuter rail network, due for completion in 2027.

Iarnród Éireann intends to submit a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála by the end of this year for electrification of the Cork rail network, six additional stations, and a new depot to support the fleet. Construction of both Blackpool and Dunkettle stations is expected to begin in 2027, subject to approvals and funding, and take up to two years to complete.

Further details are available at www.irishrail.ie/cacr.