The preferred route for the €1bn-plus Cork Luas — or Luas Cork, as it is now branded — has been launched by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
The publication of the 20km light rail route marks the start of a new round of non-statutory public consultation, which will continue until Friday, June 12.
The preferred route largely follows the emerging preferred route (EPR), published last April, but includes several significant changes.
The revised Luas Cork route now has additional stops, bringing the total to 27, running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point through the city centre. It will connect key destinations including MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock, and Mahon.
As well as new stops, some have been reconfigured, which TII said is to minimise impact on local residents and businesses.
The most significant change is in Bishopstown, where the preferred route differs from the EPR.
The earlier version had the Luas running east from Curraheen Road onto Bishopstown Road, passing the front of Cork University Hospital (CUH), before turning left at the Wilton roundabout.
The updated route instead turns left and east at the northern end of Melbourne Road, running uphill past Bishopstown Community School, Ballinaspig Lawn, Bishopstown GAA, Highfield Rugby Club, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, and St Columba’s Convent.
It will then turn into CUH between the acute mental health unit and the dental hospital, run along the back of the eastern side of Wilton Avenue, and emerge at the front of the hospital before continuing to the Wilton roundabout.
TII said this alignment will shorten journey times, improve access to schools and sports clubs, and reduce traffic congestion in the area.
The agency also said direct access to CUH could provide an alternative to car travel for staff, patients, and visitors.
A TII spokesperson said the body has engaged directly with clubs, schools, and CUH on the proposals to minimise impact on their lands “and maximise the benefits to all”.
There has been some concern among local sports clubs and residents about TII’s communications to date.
Another significant change is in Ballincollig, where the route extends further west to Flynn’s Road, widening the catchment area. Additional changes on Station Road aim to improve access and minimise impact on the Church of St Mary and St John.
With Cork projected to be the fastest-growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years, its population is expected to increase by 50% to 60%.
Luas Cork is viewed by the Government as key to supporting large-scale regeneration and investment in the city, though no firm construction timeline has been confirmed.
The system will be delivered by TII in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA). TII said the project is being developed “in close consultation with BusConnects to support the shift from cars to public transport and active travel”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Luas Cork would be a significant infrastructure project that would modernise and improve transport and connectivity in the city.
“I am pleased to see the launch of the public consultation on the preferred route, and I encourage people to have their say on this transformational project which reflects our programme for government commitment to develop strategic and sustainable transport where it is most needed,” he said.
Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said “useful” public submissions were received following publication of the EPR last year.
“I encourage public engagement in this new public consultation as we seek to deliver this important new light rail line, which is underpinned by huge Government investment and will be transformative for the people of Cork,” he said.
Similarly, Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state at the Department of Transport, said it is vital that route planning prioritises the views of residents, clubs, schools, and communities.
“We must have strong, ongoing engagement and ensure that sensible decisions around location are made,” he said.
“I want to encourage people to engage in this public consultation, and I have been promised by the NTA and TII that this consultation is paramount.”
The public can take part in the consultation at www.luascork.ie, where full details of the proposals are available.
Four open days will take place across the city during the consultation, where drawings can be inspected and TII staff will be available to answer questions:
The Luas Cork project team will also arrange in-person briefings with organisations and stakeholders throughout the consultation period.
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