Green flag for new rail service
The €90 million upgrade of the commuter service in Cork was announced at the old Midleton Railway Station. The Cork-Midleton line was closed to passenger traffic in 1965, but is now set to be reopened in 2007.
“A century ago we had some 3,000 miles of railway track in this country and today that is down to just over 1,000 miles.
“I can assure you that decades of closures and the downgrading of lines and services can now be consigned to the past,” Mr Brennan said.
“This decision heralds a new era of growth and the revitalisation of the railways. The foundation for a world-class railway system has been laid and on that we are now building improved, expanded and more customer-friendly services.”
The new line will cost €56 million to develop. The plans for the service include a train every 15 minutes during peak times.
Five new stations will be built along the route at Blarney, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill, Midleton and Kilbarry, with park and ride facilities also available.
Journey times are estimated at 25 minutes on the 20km route from Cork city to Midleton.
A 35km stretch from Mallow to Cork on the main Dublin-Cork intercity line will also be an enhanced, with the commuter service taking just 25 minutes. If the demand is great enough a further station is planned for the Cork/Mallow route.
The minister said the project would be funded by the Department of Transport with contributions from Cork City Council and Cork County Council. The stations will be built with money from the private sector.
Walking along the old line with the Minister, retired Iarnrod Éireann worker Michael Wolfe said: “It was a long time coming, but it’s great it’s now here.”
Mr Brennan also said that €4 million will be provided for the construction of priority bus corridors in the city. The funding will allow Green Routes from the Grange/Frankfield area and Curraheen Road to the city centre to be completed by the end of the year.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
