Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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145. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what advancements have been made in progressing the new train stations in Dunkettle, Tivoli, Blackpool, and Blarney; if there is a possibility of a 'night train' or later train on the Cobh/Midleton and Mallow lines connecting to Cork Kent Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4353/25]

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. The work is ongoing and is planned to be completed by the end of 2026.

Phase 2 of the Programme plans for the delivery of up to eight new stations in future on the commuter corridors. Under this phase, new stations may be considered 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.

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

Issues regarding timetable or service increases are matters for IÉ in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct response.