Cork Area Commuter Rail

SInce the mid-19th century, Cork has had a railway network. Suburban services have been running ever since, although much of the system was closed in the mid-20th century. Serious plans to expand it date from the 1990s, and in 2009 the spur from Glounthaune to Midleton was reopened as single track.

Update 23/10/2023: Construction on a new platform at Cork Kent has begun and is expected to be done by end 2024.

Update 01/05/2024: A contract has been issued for the design of 8 new train stations for the Cork area network. The stations are Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Waterrock, Ballynoe, Blarney and Dunkettle.

Update 01/09/2024: Double tracking of the rail line from Glounthaune to Midleton has begun and is expected by 2026.

Update 18/04/2025: The new Platform 6 opened in Cork Kent station on 14th April. This facility allows Cork Commuter Rail trains to operate a through-service in the station, meaning journeys from Mallow to Cobh/Midleton are now possible without having to change trains. At present, the lines are being resignalled, and the track doubled from Glounthaune to Midleton, the latter project opening in 2026. The final elements, new stations and electrification, will follow, giving Cork an electric heavy rail service. The new platform will start seeing usage in the coming months.

Wikipedia page on Cork Suburban Rail