Irish Rail plans €1.8bn 'Dart-like service' for Cork by 2032

The Cork area commuter rail programme is expected to have two stations up and running by late 2028 with six more to follow, on a fully electrified network

Cork area commuter rail programme delivery manager AJ Cronin, Irish Rail CEO Mary Considine, and NTA CEO Anne Shaw at The Metropole Hotel in Cork following the launch of public consultation on phase two of the project, outlining plans for new stations, full electrification, and a major expansion of commuter services.

Cork could have eight new train stations and a €1.8bn Dart-like service by 2032, according to the Irish Rail.

If all goes to plan, the first two of those stations — Blackpool and Dunkettle — will be up and running by 2029. The remaining six stations — Blarney, Tivoli, Water Rock, Carrigtwohill West, Ballynoe, and Monard — would be operational by 2032.