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- Iarnród Éireann advises passengers of alternative transport arrangements as essential works are carried out
Iarnród Éireann has announced that no rail services will be operating between Kent Station in Cork and Mallow Station on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October, due to essential maintenance works. During this period, replacement bus services will be in place, accepting valid rail tickets to accommodate passengers.
These maintenance works are part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the Cork Commuter network. The upgrades include the development of a new through platform at Kent Station, the installation of new signalling systems across the network, and the twin-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line. These projects will help increase the frequency of services, potentially bringing them to a 10-minute interval on Cork commuter routes in the future.
Iarnród Éireann has apologised for any inconvenience caused by these works, stressing their necessity for long-term service improvements.
Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme:
These maintenance activities are part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme, a transformative plan to improve the rail network in the region. This ambitious programme, aligned with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), aims to increase train capacity and frequency, improving connectivity and providing a sustainable alternative to private cars. The ultimate goal is to facilitate 16 million passenger journeys annually, creating a more efficient and eco-friendly transport system.
Key projects under the programme include:
- Kent Station Through Platform Project: Construction began in October 2023, with completion expected by the end of 2024.
- Signalling & Communications Project: Awarded to Alstom, this is set to be completed by 2026.
- Glounthaune to Midleton Twin-Track Project: Works started in September 2024, with completion targeted for 2026.
These projects are being partially funded under the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, aimed at promoting a green recovery post-COVID-19. Ireland is expected to receive €988 million in grants, supporting key infrastructural developments, including the future electrification of the Cork commuter rail network.
Passengers travelling this weekend are advised to check the Iarnród Éireann website for further updates on bus replacement services.