Strategic Rail Review Marks Milestone for Enhanced Connectivity
-Greater ambition and clarity on timelines required for Cork-
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has today welcomed the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review Final Report.
Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said, “The publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review Final Report is a significant milestone in our journey to be a more connected and sustainable island. Connectivity is the cornerstone of a successful country and is key to the future economy of Cork as it continues to grow and as we strive to become one of Europe’s first climate neutral cities by 2030. Enhancing our transportation system and connectivity within the Cork region and between other cities, towns and villages is a top priority.
Inter City Travel
Mr Healy continued, “We are pleased to see that our calls for the accelerated delivery of a more direct service between Cork and Limerick and the new 200km per hour intercity trains, which will see journey times reduced, have been included in the final report.”
“We also welcome that the report encourages policymakers to consider developing a cross-Dublin solution in support of longer distance services, such as direct services between the island’s largest cities (e.g., Belfast – Cork) and Dublin Airport.”
“While it is disappointing that a more direct route between Cork and Waterford was found to be impractical due to the geography of this corridor, it is very positive to see the recommendation to install a curve at Limerick Junction which would enable trains leaving the Cork-Dublin line to join the Limerick-Waterford line.”
Cork Commuter and Light Rail
“Cork is currently well served by a commuter service from Mallow, Midleton, and Cobh to Cork City, with a through- line currently under construction at Kent to connect all the lines. We recently welcomed the announcement of the commencement of the next phase in transforming the Cork Area Commuter Rail network. This phase will deliver eight new commuter rail stations across the above lines, a new fleet maintenance depot and the electrification of the network. This will play a pivotal role in transforming Cork's transport infrastructure, creating a well-connected, efficient, and sustainable network that aligns with Cork’s ambitions to become a climate-neutral city by 2030.
However, while the plans to develop light rail trams in Cork are acknowledged in this report, it is disappointing to see it not addressed in a more meaningful way. Furthermore, the report aims to connect Dublin, Belfast International, and Shannon Airport to the railway. It is again disappointing that Cork Airport has been omitted from this plan, save for mention of the proposed light rail route between Mahon and Ballincollig, which in the longer term could extend south to Cork Airport and Carrigaline. If Cork is to facilitate its growing population and achieve climate neutral status by 2030 a light rail option for Cork will be needed in the immediate future,” stated Mr Healy.
Electrification of Rail Lines
Mr Healy welcomed the report’s recommendations on the electrification of rail lines, stating “The commitment to the electrification of rail lines throughout the country in the final report is very positive. Delivery of this will be transformative and will contribute significantly to reducing Ireland’s carbon footprint. We are also pleased that our recommendation that Marino Point in the Port of Cork be included as a location for the development of rail-based port freight transport infrastructure has been included in the final report.”
Timelines and Commitment to Delivery
Mr Healy concluded, “It should be noted that the report only provides very broad timelines for the delivery of projects. One of the first actions that will need to be taken is to develop a more detailed delivery plan to provide a framework for accelerated delivery of these projects.
As we move towards the general election, we would encourage all parties to include the implementation of this report in their manifestos.”
