Iarnród Éireann Announces Two New Train Stations for Dunkettle and Blackpool
Iarnród Éireann has today lodged a planning application for the development of a new train station at Blackpool in Cork, with an application for an additional new station at Dunkettle to follow within weeks.
These planning applications mark substantial progress towards a Commuter Rail Programme that will improve the travel experience and increase public transport options for those living in Cork City, County, and beyond. Ultimately, this development is focused on supporting Cork’s projected growth, reducing congestion, and making sustainable travel a better choice.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, the two new stations are the first of eight set to be delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which will transform rail services in the Cork region by building to a ten-minute frequency on three Commuter routes: Cork to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
The Blackpool Station will be served by trains on the Mallow to Cork route, while the Dunkettle Station is expected to be a major park and ride location served by both Cobh and Midleton trains. Services on all routes will also expand with confirmation of new fleet to be added to the Cork network.
The full Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme works include the current projects:
- Delivering a new platform at Kent Station (already complete)
- Twin-tracking of Glounthaune to Midleton (expected to be finished in 2026)
- Re-signalling of the Cork Commuter network (to be completed in 2027)
Iarnród Éireann is also set to apply for planning, via a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year, for:
- Electrification of the Cork network
- An additional six stations
- A proposed depot for the new fleet, based outside of Carrigtwohill
At Blackpool and Dunkettle, daily passenger journeys are expected to exceed 5,200 across these two locations by 2035. Therefore, enhancing the Cork rail network’s capacity and resilience via accelerated delivery of these two Stations is essential to supporting these projected passenger numbers and promoting rail transport as a strong alternative for travel.
The proposed station developments are located on existing Iarnród Éireann land, which has allowed for accelerated development and additional rail capacity both North and East of Cork City in advance of delivery of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.
Further project details can be found at www.irishrail.ie/cacr.
