Iarnród Éireann Welcomes Critical Infrastructure Designation for Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

Iarnród Éireann has welcomed the Government's designation of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme as Critical Infrastructure, a decision the operator says will allow it to accelerate delivery of a package of rail projects across the Cork region.

The designation was announced by Government on 24 July 2026.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann:

"Today's critical designation by Government prioritises the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and enables Iarnród Éireann to accelerate delivery of this transformative package of projects. By streamlining the decision making process around the programme's delivery, Iarnród Éireann will be able to deliver 8 new stations and a high capacity, high frequency and more sustainable rail network more quickly for Cork. We thank the Government for prioritising this important project which will bring improved rail services and improved quality of life to local communities."

About the programme

The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme is a key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, developed by the National Transport Authority in partnership with Cork City and County Councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The investment will enhance the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh and Midleton, with increased train capacity, frequency and new stations.

Phase 1

Works on Phase 1 of the programme are well advanced. The new €23 million platform 6 at Kent Station opened in 2025, funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), and marked the delivery of the first element of the overall programme, potentially worth over €1 billion.

Phase 1 also incorporates the RRF-funded Glounthaune to Midleton twin-track, set for completion in 2026, and the Cork area signalling and communications upgrade, set for completion in 2027.

This phase will deliver the network capacity to allow for a significant increase in train service frequency on each of Cork's three commuter lines, to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the programme includes an additional 6 new stations, electrification and a new fleet maintenance depot. It completed its second round of non-statutory public consultation in June 2026, with a Railway Order application expected by the end of 2026.

Alongside improving access to sustainable public transport for new and existing communities, Iarnród Éireann says the programme will alleviate road congestion and build a more connected, efficient and safe rail network, supporting the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society, less reliant on private cars.

Further project details are available on the Iarnród Éireann Cork Area Commuter Rail page.