Luas Cork preferred route published

The preferred route for the €1bn-plus Cork Luas – or Luas Cork, as it has been rebranded - has been launched today by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Luas Cork would be a significant infrastructure project that would both 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.

The publication of the 20km light rail route marks the beginning of a fresh round of non-statutory public consultation, which will continue until Friday, June 12.

The preferred route largely follows the emerging preferred route (EPR), which was published last April, but there are a number of significant differences.

The revised Luas Cork route now has additional stops, bringing the total up to 27, running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, through the city centre. En route, it will connect key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock and Mahon.

As well as the addition of new stops, some stops have been reconfigured, which TII said is to minimise the impact on local residents and businesses.

The biggest change is in Bishopstown, where the preferred route breaks significantly from the EPR.

That earlier version had the Luas running eastward from Curraheen Rd onto Bishopstown Rd and travelling beside the front of Cork University Hospital (CUH), before turning left at the Wilton roundabout.

Now the preferred route turns left and east at the northern end of Melbourn Road, running uphill past Bishopstown Community School, and on past Ballinaspig Lawn, Bishopstown GAA, Highfield Rugby Club, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, and St Columba’s Convent.

It will turn down into CUH, between the acute mental health unit and the dental hospital, along the back of the eastern side of Wilton Ave, before emerging at the front of CUH before heading for the Wilton roundabout.

According to TII, this will shorten journey times, provide access for the schools and sports clubs and will reduce traffic congestion in the area.

TII also envisages that direct access into CUH will provide an attractive alternative to cars for the hospital’s staff, patients and visitors.

A TII spokesperson said the State body has been engaging directly with the clubs, schools and CUH on the details of the proposal, to minimise the impact on their lands “and maximise the benefits to all”.

There has been some disquiet in local sports clubs and from some residents at TII’s communications until now.

Another significant alteration to the route is in Ballincollig, with the route moving further west to Flynn’s Rd, widening the light rail’s catchment area, and some further changes have been made on Station Rd, which TII said will improve access and minimise the impact on the Church of St Mary and St John.

With Cork planned to be the fastest-growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years, its population is expected to grow by 50 to 60 percent.

Luas Cork is seen by Government as key to delivering large-scale regeneration and investment in the State’s second city, but no firm commitment has been made on an exact timeline for construction.

The light rail system will be delivered by TII, and has been designed in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA). TII said the Luas is being developed “in close consultation with BusConnects to support the shift from cars to public transport and active travel”.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said there had been “useful” public submissions made after the 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 was vital that the route planning and engagement prioritised the views of residents, clubs, schools and communities that Cork Luas is intended to serve.

“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 is invited to participate in the consultation process on www.luascork.ie, where details of the proposals are published.

Four open days will be held across the city during the consultation, where drawings can be inspected and staff from TII will be available to answer questions. See below for details.

The open days will take place as follows:

• Wednesday, May 6 – Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross 12pm – 8pm 
• Thursday, May 7 – Páirc Uí Chaoimh 12pm – 8pm Tuesday, May 12 – The Carraig Centre, Ballincollig 12pm – 8pm 
• Friday, May 13 – Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street 12pm – 8pm

The Luas Cork project team will arrange in-person briefings with other organisations and impacted stakeholders throughout the consultation.