Cullen signs Order for Glounthane to Midleton Rail Project

Date: 05 April 2007

Today (Thursday, 5 April 2007) Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, T.D. announced that he has signed a Railway Order in respect of the Glounthane - Midleton Rail Project. The Railway Order is essentially the planning permission that will allow Iarnród Eireann to proceed with the land acquisition and construction of the railway and new stations along the route between Glounthane and Midleton.

The Glounthaune to Midleton Rail project involves the re-opening of the disused railway line between Glounthaune and Midleton, from the existing Cobh line at Harper's Island to the town of Carrigtwohill and on to the old station terminal north of Midleton town.

In making the decision, Minister Cullen considered the relevant documentation as required of him under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act, 2001. These included the Report of the Independent Inspector to the Public Inquiry, Mr. Pat Butler, SC and the submissions made to the Minister.

CIE applied for a Railway Order for the Glounthane - Midleton Rail Project in May 2006. This was followed with a public inquiry and the report of the Inspector was published earlier this year.

Construction is expected to commence this summer and is due to be completed in 2008 with the first commuter trains expected to enter service on the line in 2009.