First of eight new commuter stations

09:12, 29 Apr 2026Updated 10:07, 29 Apr 2026

Blackpool train station – close to the shopping centre

Iarnród Éireann has started the formal process to seek planning permission to start building two new train stations in Cork city – part of the biggest expansion of rail in Cork since the Victorian era.

The first station applied for is Blackpool, in a couple of weeks time, the company will formally apply for planning for Dunkettle. Iarnród Éireann has told CorkBeo that once planning is secured, construction will start in 2027 and be completed in two years.

The two new stations are the first of eight set to be delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which Irish Rail says 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.

Blackpool will be served by trains on the Mallow to Cork route, with Dunkettle set to be a major park and ride served by both Cobh and Midleton trains, as services on all routes expand as new fleet is added to the Cork network.

The full Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme works include the current projects delivering a new platform at Kent Station (complete), twin-tracking of Glouthaune to Midleton (to be finished in 2026) and re-signalling of the Cork Commuter network (complete 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 and a depot for the new fleet.

Cork Commuter Rail map

At Blackpool and Dunkettle, daily passenger journeys are expected to exceed 5,200 across these two locations by 2035. Enhancing the Cork rail network’s capacity and resilience via accelerated delivery of Blackpool and Dunkettle Stations is essential to supporting projected passenger numbers and promoting rail transport as a strong option to the private car.

The proposed station developments are located on existing Iarnród Éireann land offering the opportunity for accelerated development and additional rail capacity both North and East of the city in advance of delivery of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said:”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. 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, said the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the Cork rail network in the history of the State. We are nearing the conclusion of Phase 1 of the Programme, which has already delivered a new platform at Kent station, and will also provide double tracking of the line between Glounthaune and Midleton, and resignalling works all across the network.

“Building on these foundations, I’m delighted that funding for Phase 2 that my Department has allocated through our NDP Sectoral Investment Plan will see new stations in Blackpool and Dunkettle, construction of a new depot, and initial electrification works. 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 said: “I’m delighted to see the planning applications for new stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle underway, marking real, tangible progress towards a Commuter Rail Programme that will improve the travel experience for the people of Cork and well beyond. This is about supporting Cork’s growth, reducing congestion, and making sustainable travel an attractive choice for all in our communities.”

Proposed Blackpool Station

The proposed new Blackpool Station will provide a sustainable transport option for the existing and future local community, supporting the regeneration of the wider Blackpool area and complementing the established rail services to the East of the city.

Located near the historic Blackpool Station, bounded by Dublin Hill Road and Redforge Road, the new station will:

Be serviced by up to 10 trains daily with ambition to increase service level further following completion of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme

Feature two platforms connected by a pedestrian footbridge from either side of the railway via stairs and accessible lifts

Provide for accessible parking spaces, EV charging points, motorcycle parking, a bus/taxi/car set down areas, bicycle stands and bicycle lockers.

Include the infrastructure required to support a fully electrified network

Proposed Dunkettle Station

A planning application will be lodged in the coming weeks for the proposed new station at Dunkettle. Identified within the Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area, the new station will be strategically located near Dunkettle Interchange, providing easy access to major roads such as the M8 and N25, helping to ease congestion on this critical intersection and intercept traffic before it enters the city.

Bounded by the L3004 to the north and the N25 to the south and accessed via an existing access road located to the west connecting to North Esk Link Road, the new station will:

Be served by two commuter lines providing an initial 15-minute service for Dunkettle catchment with a significant service uplift expected following completion of the wider Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme of works, up to every 5 minutes each way

Feature two platforms connection by a pedestrian footbridge from either side of the railway via stairs and accessible lifts

Provide a 300 space Park & Ride facility alongside the new station, with scope for additional parking capacity to be introduced on a phased basis, based on demand, streamlining connections from the surrounding areas.

Parking facilities will include accessible parking spaces, EV charging points, motorcycle parking, a bus/taxi/car set down areas, bicycle stands and bicycle lockers.