Irish Rail awards twin-tracking contract in Cork region

Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) has awarded a €29.5 million contract to BAM Civil Ltd to double-track the 10-kilometre railway line between Glounthaune and Midleton, to the east of Cork.

This project marks a significant phase in the broader Cork Commuter Rail Programme, aiming to improve the rail network's capacity, efficiency, and reliability within the Cork metropolitan area.

Announcing the contract award on 27 August, Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, stated, “This project marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernise and expand the rail network in Ireland. The twin-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line will not only enhance the quality of life for commuters but also support sustainable transport goals for the future.”

Work is set to begin on September 25 and is expected to last 18 months. The scope of the project includes installing a second track, constructing two new bridges, enhancing level crossings, and upgrading signalling systems.

Additionally, the project will deliver associated track turnout and crossover works at Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill, and Midleton, including the installation of two new crossovers at Midleton.

A new siding and turnback facility at Midleton will also be developed, along with new cable containment routes.

These enhancements are considered crucial for maintaining safety and minimising disruptions both during and after construction.

Funding for the twin-tracking project comes from the European Union through the National Transport Authority under Project Ireland 2040, the Irish government's long-term, policy and planning framework for infrastructure improvement.

Upon completion, the Glounthaune to Midleton line will be capable of supporting a higher frequency of service, with trains running every 10 minutes. Today there are two an hour. This uplift is expected to ease road congestion and promote a shift from private car use to public transport.

In a related development, in May, a consortium of consultants TYPSA and Roughan & O'Donovan was awarded a €50 million contract by IÉ for the design, planning, and delivery of the electrification of Cork commuter lines, including eight new stations and a new depot. A railway order for this project is now expected to be submitted to the planning authority by the end of 2025.