Cork Luas team wins top rail award — a decade before operations begin

The team behind the proposed Cork Luas has been named best rail team of the year — despite the fact passengers are not expected to begin boarding the service until 2036.

The award was presented to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland project team and partner Jacobs at the Rail Link Awards 2026 in Fota Island Resort, in recognition of the progress made on the Luas Cork project.

Judges cited the team's achievement in advancing the scheme from emerging preferred route to preferred route within 12 months.

Luas Cork is a planned 20km light rail line linking Ballincollig, Cork city centre, and Mahon, with 27 stops along the route.

TII published an emerging preferred route in April 2025, then a preferred route in April 2026, which closed to public consultation on June 12. 

However, sports clubs, a religious community and Blackrock residents have raised concerns about the route.

Costs are estimated at €1.8bn to €2.5bn, more than double early figures, and the planning application needed before construction has slipped from early 2028 to the fourth quarter of 2028.

The award comes less than a month after the Luas Cork team received 'highly commended' recognition in the team of the year category at the Global Light Rail Awards.

Fergus Meehan, head of light rail Cork at TII, said: “This recognition reflects the professionalism, expertise, and commitment of the Luas Cork team and our colleagues in Jacobs.

“Progressing from emerging preferred route to preferred route 12 twelve months was a significant achievement and demonstrates what can be delivered through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable transport for Cork.

“This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the project to date, including our project partners, stakeholders, local authorities, and the many communities who have engaged with us throughout the process.”