New Kent Station, Cork signalling system commissioning and major track works to take place in October

New Kent Station, Cork signalling system commissioning and major track works to take place in October

Resignalling works and track works to result in service impact:

Cork to Mallow replaced by bus transfers 16^th to 26^th October

Cork to Cobh / Midleton replaced by bus transfers 23^rd to 26^th October

New signalling to enhance safety, and facilitate future Cork Commuter rail service improvements

Iarnród Éireann has advised customers that it is set to commission a new signalling system, controlling services in Kent Station, Cork and on the approaching lines, this October.  Essential track works will also take place at a number of locations between Mallow and Cork during this time, to minimise overall service disruption.

The €8 million signalling project will replace a mechanical signalling system – dating in part from the early to mid-20^th century - with a modern, computer controlled “solid state interlocking system.”  The resignalling project will deliver:

• Enhanced safety of rail services
• Improved punctuality due to the modernisation of signalling
• Uninterruptible power supplies to ensure higher reliability
• Ability to connect to the new National Train Control Centre at Heuston, currently under construction
• The new signalling system will also facilitate the future track layout modifications for the Cork Commuter rail service improvements planned under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS)

In addition, a further €4 million will be invested in track improvement works during this time, including:

• Renewal of two crossovers in Cork Tunnel, and associated track works
• Track excavation and relaying works at Mourneabbey
• Track excavation and relaying works at Rathpeacon

Service alterations

As a result of these essential works, there will be disruption to services to and from Kent Station, Cork as follows:

Saturday 16^th to Tuesday 26^th October inclusive:

• Rail services will be suspended between Cork and Mallow throughout the works.  This will result in:
  • Bus transfers in operation between Cork and Mallow in both directions on Cork/Dublin Heuston services
  • Bus transfers in operation between Cork and Mallow in both directions on Cork/Tralee services
  • Bus replacement service for Cork to Mallow services
  • Revised departure times for bus transfers, and the cancellation of the 06:15hrs Cork to Heuston departure on weekdays

Saturday 23^rd to Tuesday 26^th October inclusive:

• Additionally, on these dates, Cork to Cobh and Cork to Midleton services will be suspended, with a bus replacement service in operation

Full details of revised schedules and bus transfers are available at www.irishrail.ie

Iarnród Éireann apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused.  The dates of works include the October Bank Holiday weekend and October school holiday period, which traditionally sees lower numbers of daily commuters travelling.