The new Cork-Midleton rail line is due to be officially opened today, with a full schedule of operations set to come into effect from next Tuesday.

Iarnród Éireann and its unions will meet at the Labour Relations Commission this morning in an attempt to avert strike action that would paralyse services across the south of the country this bank holiday weekend.

THE man who has presided over the biggest period of growth in the history of County Cork confirmed yesterday that he has decided to retire on December 18.