Emerging preferred route for Luas Cork launched at City Hall

The Emerging Preferred Route (EPR) for Luas Cork was launched today by Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at Cork City Hall.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has published the EPR and is inviting the public to have its say on the proposed plan. The public consultation is open for eight weeks until Monday June 9 at 5.30pm.

Luas Cork is a proposed 18km long light rail line with up to 25 stops running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock and Mahon.

The scheme includes a new public transport bridge connecting Kent Station to Kennedy Quay and new cycling infrastructure along much of the route. 

The EPR also includes a proposed 1,000 vehicle Park & Ride facility in Ballincollig and a Mobility Hub in Mahon.

There will be a number of open days across the city during the consultation where drawings can be inspected and staff from TII will be available to answer questions.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The announcement today of the Emerging Preferred Route for Luas Cork is a significant step in an infrastructure project that will be transformational for Cork city.

“Luas Cork will hugely improve connectivity in the city by modernising the city’s public transport network, making it more accessible and creating new opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses. It’s very positive to see this project progressing, and from that point of view I’d like to acknowledge the work done by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority and indeed Cork City Council.

“With the consultation process now open, I’d encourage everybody to take this opportunity to provide their and share their views on this exciting proposal.” 

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD said that by providing a "modern, reliable, and efficient public transport option", Luas Cork will encourage a shift away from car use, "reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and improving air quality". 

"The project will also complement other sustainable transport initiatives, such as expanded bus services and enhanced cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.” 

Lord Mayor Dan Boyle welcomed the announcement. 

"A long awaited, missing, but vital, link in the city's transport infrastructure, it will provide real choice to have more people travel by public transport, reduce car dependency, connect key locations and allow for significant additional growth in the development of city. The challenge is to see it constructed and operating in the shortest possible time frame.” 

Hugh Creegan, interim CEO of the NTA said: “Luas Cork is a central part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS). CMATS will deliver a series of public transport services including Luas Cork, BusConnects Cork, heavy rail improvements, safe cycling and walking infrastructure. This new era of public transport will enable Cork to develop into an accessible, connected and vibrant city."

Peter Walsh, CEO of TII said: “TII has a strong record in transparent public engagement, and we look forward to hearing from everyone before we progress to the next stage of design on this transformative public transport project for Cork city.” 

For more information on the Luas Cork project luascork.ie