Plan to expand Cork rail services goes to Cabinet

The Cabinet is to decide within weeks on a plan for a major expansion of commuter rail services around Cork city.

The new services - which would include increases in frequency on the existing Cobh line, the extension of services to Midleton and the reopening of a number of stations on the Mallow line - are designed to provide a comprehensive suburban rail network around Cork city.

The plan is based on recent and projected population and industrial development trends. It is envisaged that much of Cork's expansion will occur along the rail transport corridor.

Iarnród Éireann has already concluded that the expansion of services, which would cost €115 million, is viable when projected population increases are considered.

The company worked with the Department of Transport, Cork city and county councils and consultants to draw up a number of options.

The recommended option consists of a two-stage investment programme, costing a total of €115 million.

In the first phase up to 2008:

• the current Cobh-Cork service would be increased in frequency to half-hourly and extended through to Mallow;
• the line to Midleton would be reopened and initially a service to/from Cork would be provided every 30 minutes, with signalling between Cobh Junction and Cork upgraded;
• new stations would be opened at Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Dunkettle, Kilbarry and Blarney;
• a new concourse area would be constructed on the west side of Kent station in Cork city.

As demand grows, Iarnród Éireann believes that a second tranche of investment will be required, in about 2015. This will consist of:

• the purchase of additional rolling stock to cater for increasing demand;
• extension of certain station car-parks, and
• construction of a new station at Monard, timed to coincide with development in the area.

However, while Iarnród Éireann has carried out the detailed engineering examination of the project, the Department of Transport has not ruled out the State entering a public-private partnership to develop the services.

The issue is due to come before the Cabinet within weeks at which time the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, is expected to ask that a decision on the investment be made.