TWO NEW TRAIN stations are to be built in Cork.

Irish Rail said it would be lodging a planning application for the development of a new station at Blackpool in Cork. This is to be followed by another application for a new station at Dunkettle in a few weeks.

Construction of the two stations is expected to begin next year and take up to two years to complete, depending on planning and funding.

The two stations are the first of a total of eight to be delivered under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. The programme is to “transform rail services in the Cork region” by building to a 10-minute frequency on three commuter routes.

These routes are Cork to Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow.

The proposed station at Blackpool. Irish Rail Irish Rail

Blackpool will be served by trains on the Mallow to Cork route, with Dunkettle set to be a major park and ride served by both Cobh and Midleton trains, Irish Rail said.

Daily passenger journeys at these two stations ae expected to exceed 5,200 by 2035.

The proposed stations are located on land already owned by Irish Rail.

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said he was delighted to see the planning applications underway.

“This is about supporting Cork’s growth, reducing congestion, and making sustainable travel an attractive choice for all in our communities,” he said.