Two new Cork train stations; Blackpool and Dunkettle enter planning phase

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed it intends to lodge a planning application for a new train station at Blackpool, with a similar application for Dunkettle to follow within weeks. The two stations are the first of eight set to be delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

The programme will transform rail services in the Cork region, building towards a ten-minute frequency on three Commuter routes serving Cork to Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow. Blackpool will be served by trains on the Mallow to Cork route, while Dunkettle is set to become a major park and ride served by both Cobh and Midleton services.

Daily passenger journeys across the two new locations are expected to exceed 5,200 by 2035. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2027 and take up to two years to complete, subject to planning approvals and funding allocation.

The proposed Blackpool Station, located near the historic Blackpool Station and bounded by Dublin Hill Road and Redforge Road, will feature two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge with stairs and accessible lifts. It will be served by up to ten trains daily, with parking facilities including accessible bays, EV charging points, motorcycle parking, bus, taxi, and car set-down areas, plus bicycle stands and bicycle lockers. The station will include the infrastructure required to support a fully electrified network.

The proposed Dunkettle Station will be strategically located near the Dunkettle Interchange, providing easy access to major roads such as the M8 and N25, helping to ease congestion on this critical intersection and intercept traffic before it enters the city. Bounded by the L3004 to the north and the N25 to the south, and accessed via an existing road connecting to the North Esk Link Road, it will initially offer a 15-minute service, rising to as frequent as every five minutes each way once the wider programme is complete. A 300-space Park & Ride facility will form part of the development, with scope for additional capacity to be introduced on a phased basis.

The proposed station developments are located on existing Iarnród Éireann land, offering the opportunity for accelerated development and additional rail capacity both north and east of the city in advance of delivery of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

Mary Considine, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive:

"As we seek to boost the resilience and capacity of our network, we must identify and deliver opportunities on our existing rail corridor where we can bring benefits to communities quickly. Acceleration of these stations helps us bring rail transport, the backbone of sustainable transport in Ireland, to more communities more quickly. Entering planning phase for these two key stations in Cork represents another key milestone in the delivery of a turn up and go rail service for the people of Cork, supporting more people to make the shift to more sustainable transport modes."

Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Transport:

"The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the Cork rail network in the history of the State. We are nearing the conclusion of Phase 1 of the Programme, which has already delivered a new platform at Kent station, and will also provide double tracking of the line between Glounthaune and Midleton, and resignalling works all across the network. Building on these foundations, I'm delighted that funding for Phase 2 that my Department has allocated through our NDP Sectoral Investment Plan will see new stations in Blackpool and Dunkettle, construction of a new depot, and initial electrification works. The lodgement of the planning application for Blackpool Station is an important milestone in the delivery of a much enhanced and sustainable commuter service for Cork."

Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport:

"I'm delighted to see the planning applications for new stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle underway, marking real, tangible progress towards a Commuter Rail Programme that will improve the travel experience for the people of Cork and well beyond. This is about supporting Cork's growth, reducing congestion, and making sustainable travel an attractive choice for all in our communities."

Anne Shaw, NTA Chief Executive:

"Advancing Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations into planning is not simply another step in the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. It is a leap toward the future of how Cork moves. These stations will open up fast, frequent and reliable rail services to thousands of people, giving communities real choices and helping shift everyday travel onto the TFI Network."

"By accelerating this investment, we are bringing the vision of a connected Cork much closer to reality. This work supports a growing city, eases pressure on the roads and delivers a network designed around the needs of passengers today and in the years ahead."

Further information on the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is available at: https://www.irishrail.ie/cacr