BAM wins €29.5m rail contract
Works to twin track the Glounthaune to Midleton rail line will begin next month following the award of a €29.5m contract to BAM Ireland.
The contract will deliver a 10 kilometre second track on the Glounthaune to Midleton line under the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme, a series of interrelated projects being undertaken by Iarnród Éireann to enhance the capacity of the Cork commuter rail network.
Other works include associated track turnout and crossover works at Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill and Midleton, including two new crossovers at Midleton as well as new sidings and a turnback facility at Midleton. There will also be level crossing works and new cable containment routes.
Iarnród Éireann is advising customers that works will begin on Monday 23 September, and involve works which will impact some evening services as follows over an 18 month period, specifically on Mondays to Wednesdays from 23 September to 18 December:
• Final train from Cork to Midleton 7.15pm
• Final train from Midleton to Cork 7.45pm
• Bus transfers will operate between Glounthaune and Midleton for later evening services
Along with works on a new through platform at Kent Station, and new signalling across the full Cork Commuter network, the twin-tracking will facilitate the proposed capacity and service frequency increases, with the potential to treble existing service frequency to a 10 minute frequency on all Cork commuter routes in the future.
Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport, said: “Irish people like rail. We have seen that whenever we put in good public transport, and particularly good rail services, people flock to it. This major enhancement to this line will provide a faster, more reliable train service, encouraging more people out of their cars, which will ultimately benefit everyone because it will reduce congestion and make it better for those who do have to use their cars or vans in and around the city.”
Hugh Creegan, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority said: “This project is a crucial step towards realising our vision of a more connected and efficient public transport network for the region. By enabling the tripling of service frequency on the line, we take a significant step towards our goal of reaching 16 million passengers per annum on suburban rail in Cork.”
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said: “Working with the NTA, and funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, we have been able to swiftly implement a programme of investment that will bring transformative change to Cork’s rail and wider public transport network.”
Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director, BAM Ireland said: “By enhancing rail network resilience through the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, we are not only promoting eco-friendly transportation in Cork but also ensuring enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and comfort for all commuters. We're delighted to be part of this transformative initiative that is shaping a more sustainable and connected future for generations to come.”