Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has awarded Egis a four-year project to support the modernisation of the railway signalling, electrical, and telecommunications systems in Cork.

The project was launched at Kent railway station in Cork last Friday, 20 August, when Finance Minister Michael McGrath TD endorsed the overall Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which is designed to greatly improve the region’s railway network and encourage a shift from car to rail travel. It is an integral part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, and focusses on the heavy rail part of the programme.

Improving the signalling and communications will enable rail capacity and service frequency to be increased, as well as improving the signalling system’s reliability. It also seeks to enable sustainable urban growth in the area, with a more-efficient, low-carbon, and climate-resilient transport network.

The project, involves Cork’s three main railway corridors and is part of a larger development plan that includes multi-modal integrated transport hubs, extra rolling stock, and new Park & Ride stations. It will also allow for a significant growth in commuter numbers and provide a strong foundation for the area’s future transport needs.

Egis has previous experience with railways in Ireland, including the new National Train Control Centre when it was responsible for the Systems Integration, Testing, and Commissioning the Train Protection System project, onboard and trackside, and the Train Management Systems project. It also developed a preliminary design for the Luas Line Extension to Finglas in Dublin, and designed innovative signalling, electrification, and telecommunications systems during the tender phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR.

For the current project, the Egis team includes experts from both Ireland and the UK, who will integrate with key staff from Jhe Cork-based engineering firm B Barry & Partners, which Egis has recently acquired.

Andrew Doyle, Operations Director at Egis Ireland, said: “This project signifies a landmark moment not just for Egis and Iarnród Éireann, but for the entire Cork community.

“The upgrades will bring a seamless, improved railway experience to the region, with enhanced service reliability, frequency, and capacity. We are delighted Iarnród Éireann has placed its trust in us for this important project.”

At the launch last Friday in Cork, Finance Minister Michael McGrath TD said: “This is a significant milestone for the commuter rail network in Cork. The investment is one of many planned projects planned to boost Cork’s rail offering and public transport network.

“Upgrading Cork’s signalling system is a crucial step forward to facilitate the proposed capacity and service frequency increases planned for the region and will be of considerable benefit to users of the rail network”.

AJ Cronin, Delivery Manager, Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme at Iarnród Éireann, said: “This is a hugely significant step forward for Cork’s public transport infrastructure. In partnering with Egis, we are confident in their capacity to deliver this transformative project, boosting our rail services while aligning with our strategic mission for sustainable growth.

“We look forward to the positive changes this collaboration will bring to our community, making rail the preferred mode of transport.”