Minister clears way for Glounthaune to Midleton railway

The way has been cleared for the construction of the Glounthaune to Midleton railway in Cork.

The Minister for Transport Martin Cullen today signed the railway order for the project - essentially the planning permission that will allow Iarnód Éireann to proceed with the land acquisition and construction of the railway, as well as the building of new stations along the route.

Construction of the project is expected to begin this summer and is due to be completed in 2008, with the first commuter trains to enter service on the line in 2009.