Here’s some good news for commuters.

Iarnród Éireann has awarded a €78.5 million contract to world-leading rail transport company Alstom for a major signaling upgrade project on the Cork commuter rail network.

The works will treble the number of trains that can operate between Cork and Cobh, Midleton and Mallow within the next three years.

The contract – part of an overall signaling investment of €180 million – will deliver all the signalling, electrical and telecommunications enhancements under the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme, a series of interrelated projects being undertaken by Iarnród Éireann.

The signaling works are set to commence later this year and be complete by mid-2026.

“I welcome the progress being made with this project which will pave the way for improvements in rail services in Cork in the years ahead,” said Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority.

“Investment in rail is a key component in the CMATS strategy, and today’s announcement represents a clear signal of intent on the part of NTA and Iarnród Éireann that delivering for the people of Cork by implementing the Strategy is now the priority.”

Iarnród Éireann says the design and build contract awarded to Alstom will ensure the delivery of a more efficient, sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient heavy rail network for the Cork region.