111. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; the timeline for the opening of new stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46380/26]

The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) was published in 2020 setting out programmes of proposed transport investment in active travel, bus and rail for each city over a 20-year period.. It was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The NTA intends to commence a full review and update of the CMATS later in 2026. It is envisaged that the NTA will engage external specialist support, including engineering and strategic planning expertise, to assist in preparing the updated strategy.

A comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme will form a central part of the review. This will include consultation with key local and national stakeholders, local authorities, transport operators, and the wider public which will include a public consultation process.

Timeline on for opening new stations

I am pleased to say that we are making significant progress in delivering major public transport projects for the people of Cork.

Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represented the largest investment made in Ireland through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility following the COVID pandemic. It has seen the opening of a new platform in Kent Station in April of last year, while ongoing network signalling and double tracking works between Glounthaune and Midleton are scheduled to be fully commissioned next year.

Building on these foundational investments, Iarnród Éireann is planning to lodge a Railway Order with An Coimisiún Pleanála around the turn of the year for Phase 2 of the Programme. This will deliver a new depot, electrification of the network and eight new stations. In advance of this, Iarnród Éireann has already lodged a planning application with Cork City Council for a new station at Blackpool, with an application for a station at Dunkettle expected to follow in the coming weeks. Subject to funding and planning approval these stations are planned to have completed procurement and commenced construction late next year, and to be completed in 2030.

BusConnects Cork has also received government approval and the NTA is currently preparing planning applications for the Programmes 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors.

The Cork Light Rail (or “Luas Cork”) is another project being progressed in line with CMATS. Following on from significant engagement last year on the Emerging Preferred Route, Transport Infrastructure Ireland or TII, took on board the feedback and recently published the Preferred Route. The Cork Light Rail project seeks to provide a high-capacity public transport corridor 18km long light rail line up to 27 stops running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork City centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock and Mahon. The public consultation on the Preferred Route closed on Friday and I look forward to seeing the project develop.