Transport minister backs plans Cork city transport office

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien has backed plans for a new office in Cork to oversee major transport infrastructure projects across the city.

Mr O’Brien wants co-ordination on major projects — such as Cork Luas, the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, and BusConnects Cork — to be carried out “properly” under one office.

“I’m dealing with agencies and officials to make this happen. We expect, hopefully, some positive news very soon,” Mr O’Brien said.

“We’re investing in public transport, transport, and housing in all different sectors here in the Cork region, like has never been seen before.”

Proposals for a transport office in Cork city were first put forward by Fianna Fáil TD Seamus McGrath, who previously said it must be given decision-making powers.

Several large projects are being progressed in Cork city, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and BusConnects Cork.

Mr McGrath welcomed the commitment by the minister for transport.

Projects in the pipeline

“There are multi-billion-euro transportation projects in the pipeline for Cork city and county,” Mr McGrath said.

“In my opinion, these projects should be managed under one roof in Cork in a new strategic transportation office by a dedicated team from all the relevant organisations, such as the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the local authorities.

“As the second-largest city in the State, we need to have this local focus to ensure progression and delivery as efficiently as possible.”

The move towards a strategic transport office in Cork comes just days after public expenditure minister Jack Chambers confirmed that the Cork commuter rail project would be designated as “critical infrastructure” under new laws.

This will require State agencies to prioritise the delivery of the commuter rail upgrade, with Mr Chambers saying the designation would “improve wider timelines”.

Other projects in the pipeline in Cork include the upcoming Cork Luas, with the preferred route for the light-rail line being unveiled in April.

A government source indicated that the proposed Cork Luas is “the type of project that could be considered” for designation as critical infrastructure.