Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if current budgetary allocations for the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040 are sufficient to proceed with the development of the new train stations that are part of CMATS or are limited to maintaining existing train services. [2591/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is a key project in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. The Programme is being delivered on a phased basis and will provide a more efficient and decarbonised transport service for the area to help facilitate population and economic growth over the coming decades.

Phase 1 of the Programme consists of a signalling upgrade, construction of a through-platform at Kent Station, and double-tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton. This phase has received EU Funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The Programme also plans for the delivery of up to eight new stations in future on the commuter corridors. Under the programme, new stations are proposed at the following locations:

Tivoli, Dunkettle, Water Rock, Carrigtwohill West, Ballynoe, Blackpool / Kilbarry, Monard and Blarney / Stoneview.

In 2024, Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) awarded a contract to TYPSA and Roughan O’Donovan appointing them as multi-disciplinary consultants for the design of Phase 2 of the Programme. This Phase provides for the new stations among other works.

Subject to securing funding and achieving the relevant approvals, Phase 2 of the Programme will progress after Phase 1 works have been completed.

The new Programme for Government commits to reviewing and enhancing the National Development Plan (NDP) funding envelope to deliver on existing strategically important transport infrastructure commitments, and meet the funding needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes. Funding in relation to Phase 2 of Cork Area Commuter Rail is likely to be considered as part of this NDP review.