MY SEPTEMBER 2025 VISIT TO CORK CITY AND COUNTY
THE RAILWAY STATION AT MIDLETON [THE SERVICE IS SET TO IMPROVE IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE]
When I first visited Midleton in order to photograph the town the trains ran with a frequency of one per hour and it was unreliable. The service has greatly improved in recent years.
Midleton Train Service to Cork City Set for Major Expansion
The popular commuter rail service between Midleton and Cork City is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with major infrastructure projects underway to increase frequency and capacity. This development promises a more robust service for the growing number of passengers who rely on this vital transport link. The line is currently served by rolling stock that has a unique history, having once been a familiar sight on Dublin’s “Arrow” commuter services.
The train journey from Midleton to Cork’s Kent Station is a convenient and well-utilised option for commuters, typically taking approximately 23 minutes. Services currently run at a frequency of roughly every 30 to 60 minutes, particularly during peak hours, providing a reliable alternative to road travel into the city centre.
A nostalgic note for some passengers is the use of train sets that were originally part of Dublin’s “Arrow” fleet. These Iarnród Éireann 2600 Class diesel multiple units were first introduced in the mid-1990s specifically for the newly opened Kildare line, sporting a distinctive “Arrow” livery. Over time, as new rolling stock was introduced in the Greater Dublin Area, these reliable trains were redeployed and now form the backbone of the Cork suburban rail network, serving the routes to Midleton and Cobh.
Expansion and Future Service Enhancements
The future of the Cork to Midleton line is one of significant growth. As part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, the “Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Track” project is a key element of the ongoing works. This project will see the installation of a second track along the 10-kilometre stretch of line, effectively doubling its capacity.
Construction is visibly in progress, with extensive work being carried out to prepare the line for the new track. The completion of this twin-tracking is a critical step towards achieving the goal of a more frequent and reliable “turn-up-and-go” service. The ultimate aim is to increase the service frequency to every 10 minutes, a substantial improvement on the current timetable.
In addition to the track-doubling, the broader Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) outlines a comprehensive vision for the region’s rail network. This includes the development of new stations, park and ride facilities, and the potential for future electrification of the lines. These enhancements are designed to cater for the projected population growth in the Cork region and to encourage a modal shift towards more sustainable public transport.
The ongoing line construction and the strategic investment in the Cork commuter rail network signal a new era for rail travel in the region. For the residents of Midleton and the surrounding areas, this will translate into a more efficient, frequent, and sustainable connection to Cork City, building on the reliable service provided by the venerable former “Arrow” train sets.