Major works programme to revamp Kent Station

Rail commuters are going to find life much easier when a number of developments in the pipeline at Cork’s Kent Station are completed.

Iarnród Éireann has just received planning permission for a new pedestrian underpass at the station which will connect to Horgan’s Quay.

It is envisaged that the underpass will open up access from the quay into the rear of the station where it’s also developing a new bus terminal area, car park, and bicycle stands.

Work is expected to start this summer and be completed by summer 2016.

Iarnród Eireann business development manager Andrew Roche said the move will provide rail users with access to other forms of transport once they depart or arrive at the station.

He said that buses would be able to park on the Horgan’s Quay side of the station, where a new road access point is to be established, along with a large car park.

“Bus Éireann will locate the 205 route there which will provide access to and from the city centre, Washington Street, UCC, CUH and CIT,” said Mr Roche.

“The 226 and 226A routes will also have pick-up and set-down points there to take people to and from Cork Airport and Kinsale.”

Mr Roche Bus Éireann was also looking at providing bus connections from the Horgan’s Quay side of the station to West Cork as well as other parts of the city.

It is likely that 30 stands will be opened for the Bike Share Programme at the station later this week, which will also be welcomed by rail commuters.

“A new access, exit point will be opened onto Horgan’s Quay,” said Mr Roche. “This will be especially handy for commuters coming from north and east Cork as they won’t have to drive all the way around again to get into the station from the Lower Glanmire Road side.”

“I think Horgan’s Quay will eventually become the main entrance to the station. People will be able to come in there and just drop off passengers or actually park there and get commuter trains to Cobh, Midleton or Mallow, or our Intercity services to Dublin, Limerick or Kerry.”

Midleton-based TD David Stanton, a regular rail commuter to the Dáil, said the development would enhance connectivity to the city centre for rail users.