Iarnród Éireann Unveils Ambitious Plans for Cork Rail Expansion and Sustainability

Iarnród Éireann has outlined an ambitious vision for the future of rail transport in Ireland, with a strong focus on sustainability, electrification, and enhanced connectivity—particularly in the Cork region. The announcement was made during a stakeholder briefing event in Cork, where the company detailed its plans to significantly expand its rail network and improve services for commuters and regional travellers.

With Ireland’s rail network spanning 2,200 km and serving 146 stations, Iarnród Éireann recorded over 50 million passenger journeys last year. The company’s future plans aim to expand this network to nearly 3,000 km, increasing regional connectivity, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. Faster intercity services and improved commuter links will bring an estimated 700,000 more people within 5 km of a railway station, making rail travel a more viable and sustainable transport option for communities across the country.

Under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, approximately €24 billion will be invested in rail infrastructure over the next 25 years, averaging €960 million per year. This investment will support electrification, new and upgraded stations, and increased service frequencies to meet growing demand.

Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme: A Transformational Investment

A major highlight of Iarnród Éireann’s plans is the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme (CACR), described as the largest-ever investment in Cork’s commuter rail network. The programme aligns with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) and will deliver a more frequent, reliable, and environmentally friendly service to the Cork metropolitan area.

Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, emphasised the importance of this investment, stating:

"Iarnród Éireann is proud of our vision for a more connected, sustainable, and efficient rail network. With significant investments in electrification, new trains, and new and upgraded infrastructure, we’re laying the foundation for a network that supports regional growth and meets Ireland’s climate goals. In Cork, the transformative Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will deliver greater capacity as well as a more frequent and reliable service to the Cork metropolitan area. We’re committed to shaping the future of rail travel in Ireland, driving economic progress while reducing carbon emissions and enhancing connectivity to ensure more communities have access to sustainable transport options.”

Key Projects Underway in Cork

Several major infrastructure projects are currently underway in Cork, with completion dates set for the coming years:

• Kent Station Platform Project
  • Construction began: October 2023
  • Expected completion: March 2025
  • Service operations pilot: April 2025
• Signalling & Communications Project
  • Main contract awarded to Alstom
  • Works ongoing across Mallow, Cobh & Midleton lines
  • Expected completion: 2026
• Glounthaune to Midleton Twin-Track Project
  • Contract awarded to BAM Ireland
  • Works commenced: 23rd September 2024
  • Expected completion: 2026
• New Stations & Electrification
  • Consultant appointed: May 2024
  • Public consultation: 2025
  • Planned new stations at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Waterrock, Ballynoe, Blarney, and Dunkettle
  • Submission of Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála: End of 2025

Funding and Sustainability

The first phase of the CACR Programme is largely funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facilityunder the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This phase includes key projects such as the Kent Station through-platform, the double-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line, and re-signalling across the network, all of which will facilitate future electrification efforts.

Ireland is set to receive €988 million in grants under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, which is part of NextGenerationEU—the European Union’s initiative to support a greener, more digital, and resilient post-pandemic Europe.

As Iarnród Éireann moves forward with these transformative projects, the future of rail travel in Cork and beyond looks set to be faster, more sustainable, and better connected than ever before.