Rail upgrade right on track

An application is to be lodged on Thursday for the construction of a second rail track between Glounthaune and Midleton.

The Railway Order application will be lodged by Coras Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), holding company for Iarnród Éireann, with An Bord Pleanála.

An 8 week statutory public consultation period will follow from 17 November to 12 January.

The upgrading of the line from the existing single track to new twin track railway will facilitate the potential tripling of service frequency to a 10 minute service frequency each way compared to the current 30 minute service.

The investment will enable a future service pattern of up to 6 trains per hour per direction.

The works will largely be contained within the existing railway corridor and will include the addition of a second track along the full extent of the line, as well as the addition of sidings/turn back facilities at Midleton.

Works will also include the modification/replacement of bridges and level crossings to facilitate the twin tracking.

All works completed as part of the project will be compatible with the future electrification of the Cork Area Commuter Rail network.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said: “This marks an important milestone for the development of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

“Delivery of double tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton is a key part of this programme and will help ensure that the Cork commuter network has sufficient capacity to cater for ambitious rail service upgrades planned for the future.”