Major Rail Upgrade Begins as Second Track Construction Starts on Cork-Midleton Line
Track repositioning begins this weekend on Cork-Midleton rail line. New second track laying starts October in €1bn upgrade bringing 10-minute services.
Work crews will begin repositioning the existing railway track this weekend on the Glounthaune to Midleton corridor, clearing the way for construction of a second line that will transform commuter rail services across Cork.
The weekend work marks the start of the next critical phase in the €1 billion Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, following completion of the first section of the new track bed after months of preparatory work.
Crews will first reposition the current single track to make room for the additional line, before the actual laying of the new second track commences from early October. The track-laying phase will continue for several months, with completion expected by mid-2026.
Further signalling, telecommunications and commissioning works will follow, keeping the project on schedule for delivery by the end of 2026. The entire project is funded through the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The Glounthaune to Midleton twin-track project forms part of Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, building on the recent success of Platform 6 at Kent Station. The €23 million platform opened in April, marking the first completed element of the comprehensive rail upgrade.
Once operational, the enhanced infrastructure will enable significantly increased train service frequency on Cork's three commuter lines serving Cobh, Midleton and Mallow. The upgrade addresses growing demand from commuters travelling between East Cork and Cork city centre.
Phase 2 of the programme promises even greater transformation, with plans for new stations at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Waterrock, Ballynoe, Blarney and Dunkettle. The ambitious second phase includes network electrification and a new depot, ultimately supporting 10-minute service intervals on each commuter line.
The comprehensive upgrade aims to reduce road congestion while providing sustainable transport alternatives for Cork's expanding population. The project supports Ireland's transition toward lower carbon transport solutions, reducing reliance on private vehicles for daily commuting.
Work on the signalling and communications upgrade, with contracts awarded in July 2023, continues across all three commuter lines with completion expected in 2026. The Glounthaune to Midleton contract was awarded in August 2024, with construction beginning the following month.
Public consultation on Phase 2 began in June 2025, with a second consultation phase and Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála expected in 2026.
The programme represents one of Ireland's largest public transport infrastructure investments, positioning Cork's rail network for decades of future growth while connecting communities across the county with reliable, frequent services.
