Sinn Féin launch petition for north-south Cork Luas route

A petition calling for the Cork Luas to include both a north-south route, as well as a spur to serve the airport, has been launched by two Cork Sinn Féin TDs.

Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said that the Luas project needs to be "delivered quickly".

“Unfortunately the timeline given for completion is far too long. It could be up to 15 years before passengers are on it, according to Government projections.

“However if we are talking in the medium term, then it seems crazy not to put in place any provision for a north-south route.

“I am really disappointed that there is no consideration given to a route going from the south to the north, taking in places with large populations and heavy traffic such as Carrigaline, Douglas, the airport.

“We want to encourage people to take public transport and change from the car. 

“There are countless people in Carrigaline and Douglas, and indeed the outlying areas, that have to get the car to get to work on time and get their children to school. 

“Traffic is one of the biggest issues in such areas, and we have to be ambitious for these communities.”

Mr Ó Laoghaire said that Sinn Féin will be out on the streets and going door to door with this petition, and are urging people to support it at www.change.org/p/cork-deserves-a-proper-luas.

His party colleague in Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, added: “Once again, the northside is being left behind in big infrastructure developments. It is unacceptable.

“Unfortunately, this Government moves at a glacial pace and, if they have their way, the children of the northside will be pensioners before consultation opens on the northside Luas.” 

He continued: “There are 6,500 people working in Apple in Knocknaheeny. There are tens of thousands of people who leave Glanmire every day for work. There are plans to build hundreds of houses in Ballyvolane.

“Areas like Glanmire, Mayfield, Knocknaheeny and Ballyvolane are currently undergoing extensive construction — now would be the perfect time to begin installing a Luas line.” 

Mr Gould also encouraged people to make a formal submission on the plans at www.luascork.ie.