Ahead of the introduction of a major expansion in services, Iarnród Éireann will undertake essential track and bridge works at a number of locations between Cork and Cobh/Midleton.
While this will necessitate the closure of both lines from 2nd to 17th July, an hourly bus substitute service will be provided during these dates, each way between both Cork and Cobh, and Cork and Midleton. However, these works will facilitate the increase in frequency from 18th July. Full details of arrangements will be confirmed to customers in advance of these works.
The transformation of Cork Commuter rail services, planned under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), begins next month with a major train frequency boost on the Cork to Cobh and Cork to Midleton lines.
From Monday 18th July, with the approval and support of the National Transport Authority, Iarnród Éireann will double the number of weekday trains operating during daytime off-peak on both lines from every 60 minutes each way currently, to the current peak frequency of every 30 minutes, to/from both Cobh and Midleton.
With both services sharing the line between Glounthaune and Cork’s Kent Station, a turn-up-and-go frequency of every 15 minutes each way between 06:45hrs and 19:45hrs will be provided for the communities of Glounthaune and Little Island. In total, 32 extra train services will operate every weekday on the Cork commuter network.
Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said: “The doubling in off-peak frequency will make the commuter rail in Cork more useful for more people. It will make it easier to get around and open up this part of East Cork to greater numbers of locals and visitors alike.
“Improvement in the commuter rail offering was a key component in the CMATS strategy. While today’s announcement is just the beginning, it is a clear signal of intent on the part of NTA and Iarnród Éireann that delivering for the people of Cork by implementing the Strategy, is now the priority.”
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, Jim Meade said: “We are beginning to bring to life the vision of Cork’s commuter rail network as set out under CMATS. Having worked with the Minister for Transport and his Department officials, the National Transport Authority, and Cork local authorities and the wider community in developing these transformative plans, we now embark on what we believe will be a decade of delivery for Cork. We look forward to welcoming even more Cork commuters to our rail service from 18th July.”
