- Irish Rail has lodged planning applications for Blackpool and Dunkettle stations in Cork.
- The stations form part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme.
- Blackpool station will serve the Mallow to Cork route.
- Dunkettle station will include a 300-space Park & Ride facility.
- Construction is expected to start in 2027 and take up to two years.
Irish Rail has lodged planning applications for two new train stations at Blackpool and Dunkettle in Cork city. The applications form part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme that will deliver fully electric trains every ten minutes on three commuter routes. Blackpool station will serve the Mallow to Cork route while Dunkettle will function as a major Park & Ride facility for both Cobh and Midleton trains.
The two stations will stand on existing Irish Rail land. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and will take up to two years to complete subject to planning approvals and funding. Blackpool station will support regeneration of the wider area and will initially receive up to 10 trains daily with plans to increase frequency once the programme concludes.
Dunkettle station will sit near the Dunkettle Interchange and will provide access to the M8 and N25 motorways. It will ease congestion at the key intersection east of the city and will include a 300-space Park & Ride site. The Cork Area Commuter Rail programme will also construct additional stations at Blarney Stoneview, Monard, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock along with full electrification of the network.
Mary Considine shared “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.”
Jerry Buttimer shared “I am 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.”
