Written answer
Rail Network
94. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport to report on his visit to Cork on 24 May 2024 to mark the further development of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41894/24]
Comment on this
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is noted as a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme will provide a more efficient transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.
The Programme will be delivered on a phased basis. Phase 1 of the Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP) as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 will be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
This will see circa €164m of EU funds invested in Cork’s rail infrastructure, which will facilitate the longer-term electrification of the network through construction of a new ‘through’ platform at Kent Station to create an integrated suburban network, re-signalling of the network, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton.
The construction contract for the additional platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and works are ongoing, with construction expected to be completed by 2025.
Iarnród Éireann recently awarded a contract for the double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton to BAM Ireland and construction commenced in September.
In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works outlined above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow. Overall, this project is on track for delivery by 2026.
Recently, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan appointing them as multidisciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. This Phase provides for eight new stations, a new fleet maintenance depot electrification of the network and upgrades to existing commuter stations. Subject to the granting of the Railway Order and securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.