Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
192. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport whether he supports the provision of electric trains to Cork in early 2024 for the purposes of expansion of the Cork area commuter rail; and if he has had discussion with Iarnród Éireann in relation to this. [3018/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme represents the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. The programme comprises a number of separate but interrelated projects. Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, ‘Enable future electrification of Cork Commuter Rail’, was included in Ireland’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP), as submitted to the European Commission in 2021. All works associated with Phase 1 should be completed by Quarter 3 2026 as required by the European Commission.
Work is already underway on Phase 1. The construction contract for the construction of a through-platform at Kent Station was awarded in early 2023 and enabling works have begun on site with construction expected to be completed later this year.
An Bord Pleanála granted a Railway Order Córas Iompair Éireann for double-tracking between Glounthaune to Midleton in October 2023. Procurement preparations have started and a contract award is expected later this year, prior to construction commencing.
In addition to the Kent Station and double-tracking works above, Iarnród Éireann awarded a contract to Alstom for a major signalling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network in June 2023. This signalling upgrade is required to increase the number of trains which can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow.
These works will enable the future electrification of Cork Area Commuter Rail, subject to funding and approval.
The first order of 95 new train carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric) as part of the DART+ Programme are expected to arrive later this year prior to entering service between Dublin City Centre and Drogheda in the second half of 2025. An additional order for 90 battery-electric train carriages was placed in 2021. The precise use of these carriages is to be decided upon, taking account of the cost, available funding and the broader DART+ strategy.
Officials in my Department will continue to engage with the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the future deployment of new rail fleet.
