Cork launches consultation on proposed tram line

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin TD was in the Irish city of Cork (population 224 000) on 14 April to launch the consultation process for the city’s first tram line (Luas Cork). This runs until 9 June. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has published the Emerging Preferred Route for an 18km west–east line from Carriganarra Road to Mahon Point, serving MTU, Cork University Hospital, the city centre, Kent railway station and Cork Docklands. The scheme includes a new public transport bridge connecting Kent station to Kennedy Quay and new cycling infrastructure along much of the route, There would be a 1000-vehicle P{+R site at Ballincollig and a Mobility Hub at Mahon. 

 

Cork is the fastest-growing city in Itreland with a 50-60% population increase predicted to the next 20 years. High-quality public transport projects such as Luas Cork are essential to deliver the large-scale regeneration such as Cork City Docklands, where there will be 20 000 new homes and 25 000 jobs. 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, Lord Mayor of Cork City, Dan Boyle, 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.”