The Emerging Preferred Route (EPR) for Luas Cork was launched by Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Cork City Hall today, Monday, April 14.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has published the Emerging Preferred Route for the Luas Cork and is inviting the public to have its say on the proposed plan.
The public consultation for the proposed 18km Luas Cork route, to run from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, is open now open for eight weeks until Monday, June 9 at 5:30 pm.
A new train platform and a plans for Luas in Cork were unveiled by Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD today.
Have your say on the Luas route from Ballincollig to Mahon: https://t.co/xDTWRHwy6G pic.twitter.com/DkkLgfv07w
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) April 14, 2025
8km long light rail line with up to 25 stops
According to TII, 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 Emerging Preferred Route also includes a proposed 1000 vehicle Park & Ride facility in Ballincollig and a Mobility Hub in Mahon.
Proposed route for the Luas Cork. (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)
Cork – the fastest-growing city in Ireland
Cork is planned to be the fastest-growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years with a population targeted to grow by 50 to 60 percent. High-quality public transport projects like Luas Cork are key to delivering the large-scale regeneration and investment planned for Cork, such as the development of the Cork City Docklands, expected to deliver 20,000 new homes and almost 25,000 jobs across the 4.2-acre site at Kennedy Quay.
TII and the NTA invite the public to participate in the following consultation on LuasCork.ie where details of the proposals are published. 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:
- April 28 - 12 pm to 8 pm - Kingsley Hotel Victoria Cross
- April 29 - 12 pm to 8 pm - Páirc Uí Chaoimh
- May 6 - 12 pm to 8 pm - Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street
Rendering of the proposed Luas Cork. (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)
Luas Cork will hugely improve connectivity in the city
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 feedback and share their views on this exciting proposal.”
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. pic.twitter.com/YqdkViPAyr
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 14, 2025
Cork selected by the European Commission as one of Europe’s first climate-neutral cities
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD highlighted the significance of Cork being selected by the European Commission as one of Europe’s first climate-neutral cities. This designation aligns with the EU’s 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 initiative, which aims to accelerate sustainable urban transformation across Europe.
“The development of Luas Cork will play a key role in achieving this goal," Minister O'Brien said.
"By providing a modern, reliable, and efficient public transport option, Luas Cork will encourage a shift away from private 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.”
(Luas Cork)
'Missing link'
Lord Mayor of Cork City Dan Boyle added: “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.”
Hugh Creegan, interim CEO of Ireland's National Transport Authority, 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.”
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