Up until now there has only been one modern tram system in Ireland but that could all change in the future if plans to introduce a network to the city of Cork get the go-ahead. The plans have continued to be developed over the past few years and a consultation has now been launched – it will be open until Monday 9th June 2025.
At the launch of the public consultation – announced by the Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD no less – an Emerging Preferred Route (EPR) was given and the public are now being invited to have they say on the proposals. With Cork described as Ireland’s fastest growing city, the complete route will run for 18km from Ballincollig to Mahon Point with 25 stops.
The route would connect key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork City Centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock, and Mahon. It would include a new public transport bridge connecting Kent Station to Kennedy Quay and new cycling infrastructure along much of the route. There would also be a 1000 vehicle Park and Ride facility in Ballincollig and a Mobility Hub in Mahon.
It is expected that over the next 20 years, the city of Cork will grow by 50-60% and high-quality transport projects – such as Cork Luas – will be key to delivering the large-scale regeneration and investment planned for the area. This includes the development of Cork City Docklands, expected to deliver 20,000 new homes and almost 25,000 jobs across the 4.2 acre site at Kennedy Quay.
Michael Martin commented: “The announcement 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 feedback and share their views on this exciting proposal.”
The consultation is open until Monday 9th June 2025 and the public can have their say by visiting https://www.luascork.ie/. On that website you can see full details of the proposals along with information of a number of open days due to take place across the city where drawings can be inspected and staff from Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be available to answer questions.
Dan Boyle, the Lord Mayor of Cork, said: “The announcement of an emerging preferred route for Luas Cork is very welcome. 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.”