Concerns raised over impact Luas will have on busy Cork city street

Business and political figures have continued to raise concerns about the impact a Cork Luas line could have on MacCurtain St, following the conclusion of public consultation on its preferred route in June.

Social Democrats TD for Cork South Central Pádraig Rice told The Echo that while he maintains “full support” for Luas Cork, he is still worried the development could hamper the northside thoroughfare and reduce its capacity for outdoor dining.

“I do share the disappointment of business owners that the proposed route still plans to rip up the recently completed regeneration of MacCurtain St,” Mr Rice said.

Around €4.5m was budgeted towards redeveloping and pedestrianising the street in 2023.

“We must be clear that investment in transport infrastructure should be encouraging the provision of outdoor dining, not limiting it,” he said.

“Consideration should also be given to measures to mitigate unnecessary through traffic on the street. Every effort must be made to protect the vibrancy of the street environment and to ensure the efficient operation of Luas services.”

Economic knockbacks

In the initial consultation window for Luas Cork, businesses on the street, including the Paladar Bar, The Glass Curtain, and Hotel Isaacs, lodged submissions about the possible economic knockbacks of the project, including impacts on their underground cellars and the potential to harm pedestrian access.

Seán Gargano, owner of the MacCurtain Wine Cellar, received assurances his cellar would not be affected, but told The Echo he was worried the street may become part of a “travel corridor” rather than a “destination”.

“Once you become a corridor, you’re no longer a destination. It’s an area of movement rather than a place to come to,” he said. “As a business owner, the ideal would be if you’re adjacent to a travel corridor.”

Mr Gargano said he remained supportive of the Luas, and said criticisms of “nimbyism” were frustrating.

“People always think that our industry is all about profit; we’re the exact opposite of that,” he said.

Overburdoned

He said the street, which is relatively tight in dimension, could become overburdened by a tram system. He suggested the ideal route for the Luas would stretch down the quays.

“We have an opportunity [to go down the quays] that’s there, and [the planners] just say no… I’m just saying, ‘why aren’t we looking at this?’

“For us, those little things they haven’t been able to answer: Are we going with overhead cables? Are we going with a mixed use of traffic? What is going to be the case?”

Luas Cork and the National Transport Authority are now processing submissions made in the consultation period. The 18km light rail project, intended to extend from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, is expected to be completed by 2036.

“Any concerns raised by stakeholders along the route will be considered during the design development process,” said a spokesperson for Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

“The project team looks forward to publishing a consultation report in the coming months.”