CASE STUDY
CORK AREA COMMUTER RAIL (CACR) PROJECT
DELIVERING CRITICAL RAIL POWER INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE UK TO IRELAND
CLIENT
Alstom
LOCATION
County Cork, Ireland
DURATION
18 Months
SERVICES
Engineering | Manufacturing | Electrical
Export | Delivery
OVERVIEW
The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) project marks an important milestone for Kent Group as our first complete export of rail power infrastructure into Europe.
Working alongside Alstom for Irish Rail, Kent Group was responsible for the engineering, manufacture, factory testing and international delivery of four bespoke Principal Supply Points (PSPs) to support the modernisation and expansion of Ireland's rail network.
Following successful Factory Acceptance Testing at our Mansfield manufacturing facility, all four PSPs were safely transported to Ireland, where they have now been installed on site ahead of final Site Acceptance Testing and commissioning.
PROJECT BY NUMBERS
18
Months
4
PSP Buildings
0
Accidents/Incidents
2
Countries
1st
Kent Group Export Project to Europe
0
Train Delays
THE CHALLENGE
Unlike domestic projects, this programme required careful consideration of international logistics, transport planning and cross-border coordination, alongside the manufacture of highly engineered rail power infrastructure.
Every PSP had to be manufactured, assembled and tested in Mansfield before being safely transported overseas without compromising programme milestones or equipment integrity.
The project required close collaboration between Kent Group, Alstom, Irish Rail and our logistics partner to ensure each unit arrived safely and ready for installation.
THE SOLUTION
Kent Group adopted an integrated approach that brought together engineering, project management and in-house manufacturing from the outset. Working closely with Alstom, the four Principal Supply Points were developed around the specific requirements of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, with technical coordination continuing throughout manufacture to ensure each unit was ready for successful integration on site.
Manufacturing the PSPs in-house with group company KG Switchgear panels, provided greater control over quality, programme and technical interfaces.
Each unit was fully assembled and comprehensively tested at our Mansfield facility, culminating in Factory Acceptance Testing prior to release for delivery.
SCOPE OF WORKS
Delivered from our UK manufacturing facility through to site in Ireland, our scope included:
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Detailed engineering and technical coordination
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Manufacture and assembly of four Principal Supply Points
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Integration of electrical equipment and associated systems
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Internal inspection, testing and quality assurance
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Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) alongside project stakeholders
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Preparation of each PSP for international transportation
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Coordination of specialist transport and export logistics from the UK to Ireland
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Delivery and positioning of all four units on site
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Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
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Final testing and commissioning support
CLIENT BENEFITS
Complete engineering and manufacturing solution
Successful international logistics management
Reduced project interfaces through one delivery partner
Collaborative delivery with Alstom and Irish Rail
Factory-tested equipment before shipment
High-quality infrastructure delivered safely and on programme
The CACR Re-signalling Project has been a significant success for Kent PHK, showcasing our ability to deliver complex infrastructure solutions safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
Commencing in March 2025, the project involved the manufacture, transportation and installation of four highly complex Power Supply Points (PSPs) for Carrigtwohill, Kilbarry, Mallow and Carrigaloe in County Cork, Ireland. Throughout the project, we successfully managed numerous technical challenges and design changes, maintaining a flexible and collaborative approach to ensure successful delivery without impacting programme or quality.
Safety remained our highest priority, and I am proud to report that the project was completed with zero accidents, zero incidents and no lost-time injuries. This achievement reflects the professionalism, commitment and attention to detail demonstrated by everyone involved.
The PSPs delivered are among the most advanced units ever manufactured by Kent PHK Ltd, incorporating integrated UPS systems, static generators, 400/650V transformers, thermal imaging cameras, 360-degree surveillance cameras, secure door access equipment, fire-rated internal doors, security-rated external doors and sophisticated fixed load bank systems with automatic generator start and both fixed and variable load capabilities to ensure optimum performance and resilience.
Despite complex logistics, customs requirements and restricted site access, all four installations were completed safely, efficiently and without delay.
The final product is second to none and stands as a testament to the expertise, innovation and teamwork of Kent PHK, our clients, suppliers and project partners.
Daniel Morgan
Project Manager
PROJECT MANAGER'S STATEMENT
PROJECT GALLERY
