Iarnród Éireann is seeking planning permission for two new train stations in Cork, Ireland: one at Blackpool and another at Dunkettle.
The Blackpool station will be served by trains traveling the Mallow to Cork route.
Iarnród Éireann plans to submit the planning application for the Blackpool station this week, followed shortly by an application for the Dunkettle station.
Iarnród Éireann is seeking planning permission for two new train stations in Cork, Ireland: one at Blackpool and another at Dunkettle. Construction on the stations is slated to begin next year, with both expected to handle over 5,200 daily passenger journeys by 2035, according to reports from the Irish Examiner and other news outlets.
The Blackpool station will be served by trains traveling the Mallow to Cork route. Dunkettle, designed as a park-and-ride facility, will accommodate services on both the Cobh and Midleton lines. The development represents the first phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which aims to deliver a total of eight new stations.
Expansion of Cork’s Rail Network
Iarnród Éireann plans to submit the planning application for the Blackpool station this week, followed shortly by an application for the Dunkettle station. The project is part of a broader initiative to expand rail services throughout the Cork network, including the addition of new trains.
From Instagram — related to Transport for Ireland, Expansion of Cork
Later this year, Iarnród Éireann will also apply for planning permission to electrify the Cork network, add six more stations, and construct a depot for the new fleet of trains. This comprehensive upgrade aims to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on road transport within the city and surrounding areas.
Passenger Capacity and Transport for Ireland Network
According to projections, the Dunkettle station is anticipated to see trains running every five minutes during peak hours. The National Transport Authority (NTA) anticipates that the new stations will significantly increase the use of public transport in the region.
Corks proposed new railway stations ?
These stations will open up fast, frequent and reliable rail services to thousands of people, giving communities real choices and helping shift everyday travel onto the TFI [Transport for Ireland] network. By accelerating this investment, we are bringing the vision of a connected Cork much closer to reality. This work supports a growing city, eases pressure on the roads and delivers a network designed around the needs of passengers today and in the years ahead.
Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme Transport for Ireland
Anne Shaw, National Transport Authority chief executive
The NTA views the investment as crucial for supporting Cork’s growth and alleviating traffic congestion. The new stations are expected to integrate seamlessly with the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network, providing commuters with more convenient and sustainable travel options.
Both the Blackpool and Dunkettle stations will be built on land already owned by Iarnród Éireann. What we have is expected to streamline the development process and minimize disruption to existing rail services.
Broader Commuter Rail Programme
The two stations represent the initial phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. The full programme encompasses the delivery of eight new stations, electrification of the network, and the acquisition of a new train fleet. The overall investment is intended to transform rail travel in the Cork region, making it a more attractive and viable option for commuters and visitors alike.
The project is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region, creating jobs during construction and facilitating increased economic activity by improving connectivity. The improved rail infrastructure is also anticipated to support sustainable urban development and reduce carbon emissions.
