Two new Cork rail stations move into planning as €1bn commuter programme gathers pace
Blackpool and Dunkettle stations are the first of eight planned under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
12 May 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that two new rail stations for Cork at Blackpool and Dunkettle are moving into the planning phase as part of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme (CACR).
The rail operator today published its intention to lodge a planning application for a new station at Blackpool, while a separate application for Dunkettle is expected within weeks.
The two stations are the first of eight planned under the CACR programme, which aims to transform commuter rail services across Cork through higher frequency services on the Cork-Cobh, Cork-Midleton and Cork-Mallow lines.
Blackpool Station will be located near the site of the historic Blackpool Station between Dublin Hill Road and Redforge Road and will be served by trains operating on the Mallow-Cork route.
Dunkettle Station, positioned near the Dunkettle Interchange, is planned as a major park-and-ride facility serving both the Cobh and Midleton commuter lines.
Iarnród Éireann said daily passenger journeys at Blackpool and Dunkettle are expected to exceed 5,200 by 2035, with the projects intended to increase rail capacity and encourage greater use of public transport.
The proposed developments are located on existing Iarnród Éireann lands, which the company said creates an opportunity for accelerated delivery while expanding rail capacity both north and east of Cork city ahead of the wider programme rollout.
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said the projects represented another milestone in delivering a “turn up and go” commuter rail network for Cork.
“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,” Ms Considine said.
“Acceleration of these stations helps us bring rail transport, the backbone of sustainable transport in Ireland, to more communities more quickly.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien described the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme as “the largest investment in the Cork rail network in the history of the State”.
He said Phase 1 works are nearing completion, including the new platform at Kent Station, double-tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton and signalling upgrades across the network.
“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,” Mr O’Brien said.
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said the projects would support Cork’s growth while reducing congestion and making sustainable transport more attractive.
National Transport Authority Chief Executive Anne Shaw said the two stations would help shift more daily journeys onto the public transport network.
“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,” Ms Shaw said.
Under the proposals, Blackpool Station will include two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge with lifts and stairs, along with accessible parking, EV charging points, bicycle storage and set-down areas for buses, taxis and cars.
Initially, the station is expected to be served by up to 10 trains daily, with higher service frequencies planned following completion of the wider CACR programme.
Dunkettle Station will also feature two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge and will include a 300-space park-and-ride facility with scope for future expansion.
The station is expected to provide an initial 15-minute frequency, with services potentially increasing to every five minutes in each direction once the full programme is completed.
Both stations are being designed to support future electrification of the Cork rail network.
The wider CACR programme forms part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040 and includes electrification works, six additional stations and a new fleet maintenance depot.
Iarnród Éireann said it intends to submit a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála later this year covering the wider electrification programme and associated infrastructure.
Construction on the Blackpool and Dunkettle stations is expected to begin in 2027, subject to planning approval and funding allocation, with works anticipated to take up to two years.
