Major rail upgrade proposed
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James Kenny, Senior Project Manager, Iarnród Éireann; Christy Maher, District Manager, Iarnród Éireann; Calvin Branagan, Assistant Project Manager, Iarnród Éireann and; Ray Foley, Station Manager Cork District, Iarnród Éireann at the announcement of a public consultation launch for the proposed Twin Track project by Iarnród Éireann which will see the upgrading of the existing rail line between Glounthaune to Midleton. Photo: David CreedonImage 2 of 3
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Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Kathleen and Mick Woulfe, and AJ Cronin, Delivery Manger, Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, Iarnród Éireann at the announcement. Photo: David Creedon David CreedonIarnród Éireann has published details on the proposed twin tracking of the 10km section of the rail line between Glounthaune and Midleton.
Communities along the route invited to give their feedback on plans that will support a future tripling of service frequency on the line
Part of a greater package of improvements being delivered by the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, these enhancements will provide for a potential tripling of service frequency, enhanced reliability, and an increase in passenger capacity for Cork rail users.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: "This proposal will deliver exceptional benefits for customers across the Cork Metropolitan Area, enhance service for communities along the line with a tripling of frequency leading to the potential of 6 trains per hour per direction. Increases in capacity, connectivity, and reliability will encourage the usage of public transport going forward."
Having announced a doubling of off-peak services from Cork to Cobh/Midleton earlier this month, the progression of the Glounthaune and Midleton Twin Tracking project to public consultation is the next step in the delivery of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and the realisation of CMATS.
Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann said: "This is another milestone in the decade of delivery for Cork’s passenger rail network and I encourage everyone in the area to view the proposals and make a submission."
Public Consultation on the Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Tracking Project is live from 26 July-16 August. During this time, members of the public and interested stakeholders are invited to submit observations on the proposed plans.
All project information including how to lodge a submission, an information brochure and project drawings are available on Irishrail.ie.