Second railway line between Midleton and Glounthaune approved

The project is expected to triple the frequency of trains on the line

At present, 31 trains operate between Cork City and Midleton, Monday to Friday each week. The new development will eventually see that upgraded to a service every 10 minutes, according to the application. File picture

The addition of a second railway line to the existing track between Midleton and Glounthaune has been approved by An Bord Pleanála.

The planning agency has officially granted a railway order for the upgrade of the 10km-long stretch of track between the village and town, a project which is expected to triple the frequency of trains on the line. A railway order is the planning permission equivalent for rail infrastructure projects and can only be delivered by An Bord Pleanála.

The project, along with the addition of a second rail to the entirety of the route—roughly 35% of which is already twin-tracked—will see a “reconfiguration” of the current layout, a widening of a bridge over the Owenacurra river at Midleton, and the removal of one level crossing and a widening of another on the route.

In applying for the order last November, Coras Iompar Eireann (CIE) said that the upgrade of the route would serve to promote “rail travel as an attractive alternative to private transport” and would support the compact growth of the Cork City region. It would also facilitate the future operation of higher frequency services, the body said.

At present, 31 trains operate between Cork City and Midleton, Monday to Friday each week. The new development will eventually see that upgraded to a service every 10 minutes, according to the application.

Eventual construction of the route is expected to take 36 months, with the entire line to be closed for just four months, and weekend closures in place for eight months, while diversions will apply around one Midleton level crossing for 16 weeks.

An Bord Pleanála noted a number of observations in its inspection report, with the Myrtle Hill Terrace Residents Association saying the increased frequency of services courtesy of the development will have “negative impacts on the amenities and community of the area”, while locals on the lower Glanmire Road in Cork City said there has been “no consultation with residents”.

In recommending approval for the order, An Bord Pleanála inspector Conor McGrath said the development is aligned with local and national planning and transport policy and comprises an enhancement of the existing rail infrastructure.

A number of conditions were attached to the order, including that noise and vibration attributable to the construction should be continuously monitored, and that construction be completed within not more than 10 years from the date of direction.