Minister opens Cork-Midleton line

 

 Iarnród Éireann News Release
30th July 2009


MINISTER OPENS €75 MILLION CORK-MIDLETON LINE TO THE PUBLIC


The new Cork-Midleton line has been officially opened by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD.

The Minister travelled with invited guests on the first passenger train on the new line, at 12.15hrs from Kent Station in Cork to Midleton, opening the new stations at Carrigtwohill and Midleton itself. A day of celebration involving the local community and businesses took place at Midleton Station, and travel on the new service was free to the public for the day.

An initial introductory service operates from today Thursday 30th July to Bank Holiday Monday 3rd August inclusive, before the full commuter service begins on Tuesday 4th August.

Work on the new line has been completed, following a €75 million investment in the infrastructure under the Government’s Transport 21 programme, part of the National Development Plan 2007-2013. Physical work on the route commenced in February 2008, and was completed this month.

A total of 21 trains each way will operate daily between Cork and Midleton, with services running every 30 minutes at peak times, and every hour at off-peak times, Monday to Friday. Seventeen trains each way will operate on Saturdays, and eight trains will operate each way on Sundays.

Speaking at the opening, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD said “The reopening of the Cork to Midleton rail link is fantastic news for all those living and working in the region. I have no doubt that Midleton, and the Cork region in general will benefit enormously from these new services in the years to come. Despite the current very difficult economic conditions this Government is committed to investing in world-class public transport alternatives for commuters. This new station at Midleton, along with the new station at Carrigtwohill, will allow thousands of people living locally to leave their cars at home and instead enjoy a stress free rail journey. I have no doubt that it will be a very popular service."

CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann Chairman Dr John Lynch said “the development of the Midleton line is an integral part of a framework for land use, transportation, social and environmental policies in the Cork region which sees Cork take the lead in sustainable planning in this country. This will deliver a system which will benefit generations to come in Cork and in the Munster region. There has been tremendous public support for this major investment, and we are delighted to commence the service, and look forward to welcoming our new customers to Iarnród Éireann’s services.”


Midleton services

Initial services – a special timetable is operating from Thursday 30th July to Monday 3rd August inclusive – full details are available at www.irishrail.ie

Full timetable (from 4th August):

Monday to Saturday Timetable

From Cork: 06.15, 06.45*, 07.15, 07.45*, 08.15, 08.45*, 09.15, 10.15, 11.15, 12.15, 13.15, 14.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17.15, 17.45*, 18.15, 19.15, 20.15, 21.15, 22.15

From Midleton: 06.45, 07.15*, 07.45, 08.15*, 08.45, 09.15*, 09.45, 10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, 17.45, 18.15*, 18.45, 19.45, 20.45, 21.45, 22.45

* = Mon-Fri only

Sunday Timetable

From Cork: 08.15, 10.15, 12.15, 14.00, 16.15, 17.15, 18.30, 20.15

From Midleton: 08.45, 10.45, 12.45, 14.30, 16.45, 17.45, 19.15, 20.45



Journey details – Commuter service, and Intercity connections

Journey time between Midleton and Cork will be 23-24 minutes, and all trains will serve the new stations of Midleton and Carrigtwohill, as well as Glounthaune, Little Island and Kent Station Cork.

As well as offering a strong commuter service, the new Midleton timetable will offer excellent connections to the Cork-Dublin Intercity service, maximising the benefit of this new infrastructure.

The infrastructure also offers the potential to expand services in the future to every 15 minutes, as demand increases.

Each train will be a two-carriage commuter train, with capacity for 320 passengers, including seating for 129 passengers. Platforms have also been built to accommodate future expansion to four-carriage trains.

Fares for Midleton customers will be:
Adult Single: €4.40
Adult Return: €6.50
Adult Weekly: €26.00
Adult Monthly: €92.00
Adult Annual: €920.00

Monthly and annual customers are reminded that employees of companies registered with the Taxsaver scheme are entitled to tax relief on the cost of commuter tickets, of up to 51%. Full details are available on www.taxsaver.ie

In addition, a range of rail and bus tickets will be available, allowing customers to buy integrated tickets to transfer from Kent Station to other areas in the city.

Car park charges at Midleton and Carrigtwohill Stations will be:
€2 per day
€8 per week
€30 per 4 weeks


Midleton line project

The €75 million investment in the Midleton line includes:

- upgrading track on the previously disused Glounthaune to Midleton line, through provision of a single track with a passing loop at Carrigtwohill
- providing a new signalling system
- provision of two new stations at Midleton and Carrigtwohill, including extensive car parking facilities (340 spaces and 180 spaces respectively), lifts and footbridges
- the replacement of a range of level crossings with bridges
- other infrastructure work including bridge, boundary and drainage works



Issued by:
Corporate Communications
Iarnród Éireann