Iarnród Éireann has today launched a public consultation on the Preferred Option for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which will transform the Cork transport network, delivering improved travel choices, connecting communities and unlocking Cork’s full economic potential.
ROD and TYPSA were appointed by Iarnród Éireann in 2024 to provide multidisciplinary consultancy services for the design, planning and construction of phase 2 of the programme. We are working closely with Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority to deliver the infrastructure to support trains operating up to every 10 minutes across each of the three commuter lines to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh.
Key elements of phase 2 include:
- New stations for Cork including Blarney, Monard, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock, along with accelerated Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations
- Electrification of the Cork rail network to support a new electric train fleet, reduce congestion and cut transport carbon emissions
- A new depot to support the maintenance of the electric fleet
- A strategic Park and Rides site at Blarney station. Park and Ride facilities will also be provided at Dunkettle Station
- Station upgrades to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh to ensure improved accessibility and provide for expected future capacity increases
- Better connections to support more integrated transport options, including bus services, cycleways and Cork's future light rail (LUAS)
The public consultation will remain open until Friday, 12 June 2026, and we are looking forward to engaging with the public at the consultation events over the coming weeks.
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, Mary Considine, said:
“The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme will transform the Cork transport network. Phase 1 is largely complete, and the delivery of Phase 2 will ensure more communities across Cork can access high capacity, high frequency and more sustainable rail transport. Feedback from surrounding communities is important and will be central to finalising design proposals. I encourage everyone to engage with the consultation process and have your say in shaping this transformative rail investment programme.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said:
“The Cork Area Commuter Rail programme is one of a number of transformational projects for public transport in the state, standing alongside our DART+, Metrolink and BusConnects investments. Building on the successful delivery of Phase 1 of the programme in recent years, which has seen a new platform open at Kent Station and significant double tracking and resignalling works now nearing completion, I am delighted to see the proposals for the further development of the Cork rail network advance to the second public consultation.”
Chief Executive of National Transport Authority, Anne Shaw, said:
“This next phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is all about making a real difference for passengers and communities across the city and suburbs. By improving access to frequent, reliable and sustainable rail services, alongside our broader transport connectivity ambitions for Cork including Bus Connects and Luas, it will make everyday journeys easier while supporting the continued growth of Cork."
