A major milestone in Cork's rail infrastructure development was marked today as Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opened Platform 6 at Kent Station, alongside EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer, and Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade.

The €23 million platform project, funded through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), is the first phase of the ambitious Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. This wider programme, which could exceed €1 billion in total investment, aims to deliver transformative upgrades to the region’s rail services — including a train frequency of every 10 minutes across the Cork network.

Platform 6 marks the completion of the initial phase of works, which also includes the twin-tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line and significant signalling and communications upgrades across the Cork area, both of which are due for completion by 2026. Together, these projects will enable substantial increases in service frequency on the three Cork commuter lines: Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow.

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The new 220-metre-long platform, designed by AECOM and constructed by John Cradock Ltd, includes Platform 5b on the north side and Platform 6 on the south side. Services will be introduced gradually, beginning with some Intercity and Midleton trains, followed by through services between Midleton and Mallow in the coming months.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "The opening of this new platform marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the largest ever investment in the Cork rail network. It is a fundamental step in achieving not only improved rail transport capacity and frequency, but also in providing a more accessible, efficient and reliable rail service for the people of Cork.

"Works are also well underway on the twin tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line and a significant signalling upgrade - two other elements of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. These projects, along with the new platform, will lay the foundation for further future enhancements of Cork rail services.

"The progress of the programme, along with other significant transport projects like BusConnects Cork and Cork Luas, highlights this Government's commitment to delivering significant investment in the transport. Today is the first of many public transport projects we look forward to delivering over the lifetime of this Government."