New 'world-leading' battery electric trains to be running in Cork within two years — minister

Just eight trains operate on the network today. The new service will require an unprecedented fleet increase up to 30 trains, with 150 carriages

Some €300m is already being invested in a new through-platform at Kent Station. Picture: Larry Cummins

New battery electric trains could be running on Cork's new €1.6bn high-frequency commuter rail service within two years, the Transport Minister has pledged.

Eamon Ryan set out the ambitious timeline in Cork on Friday as he announced the landmark next phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which is set to deliver eight new commuter rail stations along the Cobh, Midleton and Mallow lines, a new depot to store a vast new fleet, and the electrification of the entire network.