There has been a boost for rail passengers in Co. Cork, with the official opening of a brand-new platform at Kent Station in Cork city.
Platform 6 was unveiled today by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade.
The new 220-metre-long platform is part of a €23 million project funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. It’s the first major step in a wider plan to improve rail services in and around Cork.
This upgrade is just the beginning of a much larger investment in the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which could be worth over €1 billion in total. The long-term goal is to have trains running as often as every 10 minutes on Cork’s commuter lines to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
Other improvements already underway include doubling the railway track between Glounthaune and Midleton and upgrading signalling systems across the region. These works are expected to be completed by 2026.
The new platform, will allow more trains to operate in and out of the station. Initially, some Intercity and Midleton services will use the new platform, with more connections being added in the coming months.
Eventually, the upgraded network will feature new stations, more frequent services, and even electric trains—making it easier for people to choose public transport over driving. A new fleet and maintenance depot are also planned to support the growing number of passengers.
The improvements are all part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which aims to make getting around Cork easier, greener, and more reliable.
