{"id":24619,"date":"2025-12-10T15:57:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T15:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/baltics\/projects\/kent-station-upgrade-unlocking-capacity-for-corks-rail-transformation\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:59:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T15:59:30","slug":"kent-station-upgrade-unlocking-capacity-for-corks-rail-transformation","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/baltics\/projects\/kent-station-upgrade-unlocking-capacity-for-corks-rail-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Kent Station upgrade: unlocking capacity for Cork\u2019s rail transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

According to the National Planning Framework, Cork\u2019s population could grow by up to 60 per cent by 2040<\/a>, making it Ireland\u2019s fastest-growing city region.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help meet that demand, Iarnr\u00f3d \u00c9ireann (Irish Rail) appointed us to provide multi-disciplinary consultancy services for a new through platform at Kent Station \u2013 the city\u2019s main rail hub. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officially opened in April 2025, the project was described by the Taoiseach as \u201ca significant milestone in the delivery of the largest ever investment in the Cork rail network\u201d \u2013 and marks the first step in a long-term plan to transform rail travel in and around Cork.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why was a new platform needed at Kent Station?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As Cork\u2019s population continues to grow, so does demand for reliable, low-carbon transport. To support this and reduce reliance on private cars, the region\u2019s rail network is being expanded to boost capacity and improve connectivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new through platform at Kent Station is the first rail project delivered under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS)<\/a> \u2013 the long-term plan for sustainable transport in the region. It is also the first completed project in Iarnr\u00f3d \u00c9ireann\u2019s Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme<\/a>, which is delivering the rail infrastructure needed to realise CMATS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By enabling trains to pass through the station more efficiently, the platform removes a key operational constraint and allows for more flexible service patterns. This provides immediate benefits for passengers \u2013 improving reliability and reducing turnaround times \u2013 while laying the foundations for future service enhancements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will\u00a0the Kent Station upgrade\u00a0support\u00a0Cork\u2019s growing rail network?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Backed by Ireland\u2019s National Development Plan and funded through the EU\u2019s Recovery and Resilience Facility, the CACR programme includes a series of coordinated upgrades: new platforms, twin tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton, and a signalling and communications upgrade across the Cork area.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These improvements are designed to create a more resilient, accessible and sustainable rail system for Cork, with longer-term plans including new stations and network electrification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the longer term, the wider CACR programme will enable up to a 10-minute service frequency on Cork\u2019s three commuter lines to Cobh, Midleton and Mallow. It will also support the delivery of Park and Ride sites, additional fleet and a new fleet maintenance depot \u2013 ensuring the network is equipped to meet future passenger demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast-tracked delivery through integrated design\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the outset, we worked in full collaboration with Iarnr\u00f3d \u00c9ireann\u2019s management and delivery teams, and later the main contractor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Ireland-based team led the project, supported by colleagues from across AECOM, including our Madrid office, which played a key role in delivering the civil and structural design, track alignment, drainage, systems integration and safety assurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, our multidisciplinary teams provided a full suite of consultancy services, including preliminary and detailed design, planning and environmental assessments, tender documentation and evaluation, project management, commercial services, and resident engineering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To secure funding, the project had to reach tender award by the end of 2022, a critical milestone tied to EU Recovery and Resilience Facility requirements. We helped meet this deadline by progressing preliminary design and planning approvals at pace, ensuring the project stayed on track for funding release.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working collaboratively, the team held regular design coordination calls and scheduled Interdisciplinary Design Checks (IDCs) from the outset, helping maintain momentum and quality throughout.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, every key project milestone was met on time, to the satisfaction of the client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcoming space and design challenges\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Designing a new 220-metre through platform at an operational station posed several engineering and spatial challenges. The platform \u2013 created by extending Platform 5 and introducing a new Platform 6 \u2013 sits between a tunnel at one end and a narrow section of track at the other. This left little room for error. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were also changes in ground level across the site, which made meeting standard track gradient requirements difficult. We worked with the client and other stakeholders to agree a safe and practical gradient, supported by clear optioneering and technical justification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To connect the new platform into the wider station, we reinstated a disused eastern pedestrian subway, installed over 1,100 metres of new track, built a new retaining wall, and added lighting, drainage and platform furniture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the construction phase, we provided design support, responded to contractor queries, and oversaw the work on site, helping to ensure smooth delivery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laying the foundation for a greener, more connected\u00a0transport\u00a0network\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the platform now in operation and additional services being phased in, the project is already delivering benefits for rail users \u2013 making services more efficient and enhancing the overall passenger experience. It also sets a strong precedent for delivering future upgrades under the CACR programme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Iarnr\u00f3d \u00c9ireann CEO Jim Meade, who was CEO at the time of the official opening, noted: \u201cI congratulate Iarnr\u00f3d \u00c9ireann\u2019s Cork Area Commuter Rail programme team for delivering so swiftly the first of the initial three CACR projects, and their continued progress with the wider programme.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe success we are seeing in Cork is testament to the partnership approach we take to delivering improved public transport for our communities and commuters.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re proud to have played a key role in this successful first step \u2013 and to continue supporting a more connected, resilient and sustainable transport future for Cork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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