Micheál Martin urges ‘ambitious’ city to get moving on Luas route to Cork Airport

It’s not every day that the Taoiseach quotes Scripture, but the thought of bringing the Cork Luas to the airport has Micheál Martin reaching for the first letter from St Paul to the Corinthians.

Asked if he would like to see the proposed light rail service extended to Cork Airport, Mr Martin paraphrased Corinthians 12:31 — “Be ambitious for the higher gifts” — saying he would but, to laughter, he counselled both patience and getting a move on.

“I love Cork, like, I really do. I mean, we’re ambitious for the greater things in life — as the Gospel says — but if we could get the existing Luas delivered, I certainly would look forward to going up to the airport.

“But can we get moving?” he told reporters.

Mr Martin said the proposed Ballincollig to Mahon route would depend on the results of the public consultation and, following on from the eventual first route, other developments could then be examined.

Separately, Labour Party city councillor Peter Horgan — the chair of the city council transport committee — said an airport spur must be a factor in the consultation on the emerging preferred route, saying it could flow from Mahon Point along the N40 in the middle up Airport Hill.

“A light rail here would take significant cars off the N40 and enhance the ease of congestion that light rail seeks to tackle,” he said.

“The east-west spine is important as a blueprint, but this must also show the blueprints for stages two to three, which should incorporate connecting Carrigaline and Douglas along with the northside too.”

A spokesperson for Cork Airport said public transport connectivity would be a key aspect of its growth to beyond 5m passengers a year, and the airport would be making a submission as part of the Cork Luas public consultation process.

“Our submission will outline the need to identify and safeguard a route for a southern spur to Cork Airport. By identifying and safeguarding a southern spur, it will ensure that the planning and development of a Luas connection with Cork Airport can be facilitated in the future,” they said.

In the meantime, they added, the airport would continue its engagement with the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann, and other transport providers to enhance bus connectivity with the airport — including a 24/7 connection with the city and more connections with larger towns and cities such as Killarney, Waterford, and Clonmel.

“We also look forward to the proposed development of the new bus interchange at the Black Ash, which will facilitate better bus connectivity between Cork city suburbs and the airport.”