2° Stakeholders meeting in Cork!
In the 22nd January 2024, Cork Environmental Forum and the Transport & Mobility Forum (TMF) hosted the second EMBRACER Regional Stakeholders Meeting with a site visit to Kent Station, an Iarnród Éireann railway station in Cork, Ireland. Originally opened in 1893, the station operates as a hub for Intercity services to Dublin and Tralee and commuter services to Mallow, Cobh and Midleton.
The regional stakeholders, the Transport & Mobility Forum is a representative group of organisations who have a common interest in sustainable and active travel. TMF fully supports sustainable modes of travel measures and policies. Sustainable and Active Travel helps reduce congestion on our roads, supports a low carbon economy, reduces noise and air pollution, improves public health and quality of life. TMF’s mission is to increase the number of people travelling through sustainable and active travel in Cork.
The day began with a site visit to Kent Station. Stephen Hackett, Regional Manager of Iarnród Éireann, Irish Rail extended a warm welcome. Stephen then entrusted the group to Tom Ryan, a retired train driver with over 40 years of experience, for a very engaging and personal tour.
Later, EMBRACER topics were presented at Spaces, Horgan’s Quay, Irish Rail Offices. Stephan Koch from UCC initiated the presentations with a warm welcome, followed by Dr. Darren McAdam-O’Connell, Coordinator of Transport & Mobility Forum, Cork. Darren offered valuable insights into Urban Edge Mobility in Cork City. Using visual aids like mapping, he illustrated the integration of public and pedestrian transportation in central Cork city, while also highlighting challenges faced by regional mobility. Darren addressed questions, particularly those related to permeability and connectivity to urban areas.
Jorge Bandeira, University of Aveiro, Portugal and representative of the EMBRACER Interreg Project, participated through a video link to deliver an Overview of Mobility Services in Low-Density Areas. He highlighted common challenges in connectivity, emphasising that irrespective of the country or the size of urban areas, there consistently exist outskirts where transport accessibility and efficiency are constrained. Jorge showcased case studies as well.
The final speaker, Kieran Murphy of Irish Rail, enlightened the group about the Cork Area Commuter Rail Project. This project is a transformative initiative for the Cork Rail Network, involving significant enhancements from Mallow to Cobh and Midleton. With a focus on increased train capacity, frequency, and sustainability, this project represents the largest-ever investment in the network.
The day concluded with a strategic meeting where stakeholders engaged in discussions about actionable items to further reach the objectives of the EMBRACER Interreg project.