IRISH Rail (IÉ) has awarded Egis a four-year contract to support the modernisation of the existing signalling, electrical and telecommunications (SET) systems on the heavy rail network in Cork under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040.
The signalling and communications improvements will facilitate planned increases in capacity and service frequency, improve the signalling system’s reliability, and support IÉ’s continued safe operation of the railway.
The upgrade project, involving the three main rail corridors in Cork, forms part of a larger development plan including multi-modal integrated transport hubs, additional rolling stock, and new stations with park and ride interchanges. Notably, the upgrade will cater to the significant expected growth in commuter numbers and lay a strong foundation to meet Cork’s future transport needs.
The Egis team, which includes personnel from both Ireland and Britain, will also include key staff from Cork-based engineering firm JB Barry & Partners, following the recent acquisition of this company by Egis.
At the launch held at Kent station in Cork, Irish finance minister, Mr Michael McGrath, endorsed the overall Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.
“This is a significant milestone for the commuter rail network in Cork,” he says. “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.”
