Iarnród Éireann has announced plans to seek planning permission for two new rail stations in Cork, marking a significant step forward in the expansion of the region’s commuter rail network.
The rail operator confirmed it intends to lodge a planning application for a new station at Blackpool, with a second application for Dunkettle expected to follow within weeks. Both stations form part of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which aims to significantly enhance rail services across the city and surrounding areas.
The programme will ultimately deliver eight new stations and increase service frequency to every ten minutes on key commuter routes linking Cork city with Cobh, Midleton and Mallow. The proposed Blackpool station will be served by trains on the Mallow to Cork line, while Dunkettle is planned as a major park-and-ride hub connecting both the Cobh and Midleton routes.
Passenger demand is expected to grow substantially, with daily journeys across the two stations projected to exceed 5,200 by 2035. The developments are also intended to support a shift away from private car use by improving capacity and reliability across the network.
The wider programme includes several major infrastructure upgrades already underway or completed, including a new platform at Kent Station, double tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton—due for completion in 2026—and a network-wide re-signalling project scheduled for completion in 2027. Plans are also in development for electrification of the Cork rail network, alongside additional stations and a new depot.
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said the projects represent a key milestone in delivering more accessible and sustainable transport.
“As we seek to boost the resilience and capacity of our network, we must identify and deliver opportunities on our existing rail corridor where we can bring benefits to communities quickly,” she said. “Acceleration of these stations helps us bring rail transport, the backbone of sustainable transport in Ireland, to more communities more quickly. Entering planning phase for these two key stations in Cork represents another key milestone in the delivery of a turn up and go rail service for the people of Cork, supporting more people to make the shift to more sustainable transport modes.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien described the programme as the largest investment in Cork’s rail network in the history of the State, noting that Phase 1 works are nearing completion.
“Building on these foundations, I’m delighted that funding for Phase 2 that my Department has allocated through our National Development Plan will see new stations in Blackpool and Dunkettle, construction of a new depot, and initial electrification works,” he said. “The lodgement of the planning application for Blackpool Station is an important milestone in the delivery of a much enhanced and sustainable commuter service for Cork.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer welcomed the progress, highlighting the broader benefits for the region.
“This is about supporting Cork’s growth, reducing congestion, and making sustainable travel an attractive choice for all in our communities,” he said.
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, said the projects would transform how people travel across Cork.
“Advancing Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations into planning is not simply another step in the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. It is a leap toward the future of how Cork moves,” she said. “These stations will open up fast, frequent and reliable rail services to thousands of people, giving communities real choices and helping shift everyday travel onto the TFI Network.”
The proposed Blackpool station will be located near the site of the historic station between Dublin Hill Road and Redforge Road. Plans include two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge with lift access, as well as parking, electric vehicle charging points, bicycle facilities and space for bus and taxi connections.
Dunkettle station, to be located near the Dunkettle Interchange, will serve as a key transport hub with a 300-space park-and-ride facility and direct access to major road networks including the M8 and N25. It is expected to offer services as frequent as every 15 minutes initially, increasing to as often as every five minutes as the wider programme is completed.
Construction of both stations is expected to begin in 2027, subject to planning approval and funding, with works likely to take up to two years to complete.
