Members of the public urged to have their say on proposed Cork Luas route

The publication two weeks ago of the preferred route for the Luas Cork has been largely welcomed across the city, albeit with some reservations.

The preferred route – which has refined last year’s emerging preferred route (EPR) – contains a number of changes to the earlier plans, the majority of which are on the western end of the route, in Ballincollig and Bishopstown.

In Ballincollig, the route now starts 2km further to the west, as far as Flynn’s Rd, which Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) says will widen the light rail’s catchment area.

Acknowledging that there had been concerns about the impact of the Luas on Station Rd, TII said changes have been made to improve access.

“Traffic will now be two-way as far as Beech Park – when travelling from the south on Station Rd – and other changes will minimise the impact on the Church of St Mary and St John,” TII said.

Joe Lynch, Sinn Féin city councillor, has described the revised route as “a worse proposition than before”, saying “it is absolutely baffling how TII have spent a year working on this, only to propose a worse route than that previously devised”.

Significant changes

By far, the most significant changes are in Bishopstown.

The EPR had the Luas running east from Curraheen Rd onto Bishopstown Rd, passing the front of Cork University Hospital (CUH), before turning left at the Wilton roundabout. The preferred route instead turns left at the northern end of Melbourne Rd, 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, cutting through several back gardens on the eastern side of Wilton Avenue, emerging at the front of the hospital.

TII said this alignment will shorten journey times, improve access to schools and sports clubs, and reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Engaged

A TII spokesperson said the body has engaged directly with stakeholders on the proposals to minimise impact on their lands “and maximise the benefits to all”.

Fianna Fáil councillor Terry Coleman said he had engaged in a number of discussions directly with TII.

“I would encourage stakeholders to go to the various open days that TII will be putting on and then make your submissions, in particular any of the directly affected residents, clubs, schools et cetera in the area,” he said.

Four open days will take place across the city during the Luas consultation, where drawings can be inspected and TII staff will be available to answer questions:

• May 6 — Kingsley Hotel, 12pm–8pm.
• May 7 — Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 12pm–8pm.
• May 12 — The Carraig Centre, 12pm–8pm.
• May 13 — Metropole Hotel, 12pm–8pm.