More services on track

The wheels will begin turning on the transformation of Cork’s rail services next month with the doubling of train frequency for 2 main lines.

As part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), both the Cork to Cobh and Cork to Midleton lines will have twice as many trains operating during daytime off-peak hours in both directions from 18 July.

This will see trains departing to and from Cobh and Midleton every 30 minutes instead of every hour. In total, 32 extra train services will operate every weekday. With both services sharing the line between Glounthaune and Cork’s Kent Station, a turn-up-and-go frequency of every 15 minutes each way between 6.45am and 7.45pm will be provided for the communities of Glounthaune and Little Island.

Welcoming the announcement was Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, who said the increased frequency will play a crucial role in getting Cork commuters out of their cars and on to public transport.

“We look forward to seeing the same level of service rolled out across the whole Cork suburban rail commuter network in the short term,” he said.

Ahead of the introduction of this major expansion in services, Iarnród Éireann will undertake essential track and bridge works at a number of locations along both lines. While this will necessitate the closure of both lines from 2-17 July, an hourly bus substitute service will be provided throughout, each way between both Cork and Cobh, and Cork and Midleton. Full details of arrangements will be confirmed to customers in advance of these works.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, Jim Meade said: “We are beginning to bring to life the vision of Cork’s commuter rail network as set out under CMATS. Having worked with the Minister for Transport and his Department officials, the National Transport Authority, and Cork local authorities and the wider community in developing these transformative plans, we now embark on what we believe will be a decade of delivery for Cork. We look forward to welcoming even more Cork commuters to our rail service from 18 July.”

Also commenting was Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham, said the doubling of off-peak frequency will open up east Cork to greater numbers of locals and visitors alike.

She said: “Improvement in the commuter rail offering was a key component in the CMATS strategy. While today’s announcement is just the beginning, it is a clear signal of intent on the part of NTA and Iarnród Éireann that delivering for the people of Cork by implementing the strategy is now the priority.”