TII Launches Luas Cork Public Consultation
Submissions invited from public on Luas Cork Preferred Route running from Ballincollig to Mahon
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has today launched the public consultation process for the Preferred Route (PR) for Luas Cork.
The launch coincides with World Public Transport Day, a global celebration of the critical role public transport plays in people’s everyday lives. The public consultation continues until Friday 12 June at 5.30pm.
Luas Cork is a proposed light rail line with up to 27 stops running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock and Mahon.
The Preferred Route is largely similar to the Emerging Preferred Route published last year but includes some improvements, including the addition of new stops and reconfiguring other stops to minimise the impact on local residents and businesses.
The biggest change is at the northern end of Melbourn Road where the route will turn east and run uphill past Bishopstown Community School, Ballinaspig Lawn, Bishopstown GAA, Highfield Rugby Club, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Saint Columba’s Convent and then through Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus.
This will shorten journey times, provide excellent access for the schools and sports clubs and will reduce traffic congestion in the area. Direct access into CUH will provide an attractive alternative to cars for its staff, patients and visitors.
TII is already engaging directly with the clubs, schools and CUH on the details of this proposal to minimise the impact on their lands and maximise the benefits to all.
In Ballincollig the route is moving further west to Flynn’s Road which will widen the catchment area, and some changes have been made on Station Road to improve access and minimise the impact on the Church of St Mary and St John.
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. Luas Cork is 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 www.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. See below for details.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Luas Cork is a significant infrastructure project that will both modernise and improve transport and connectivity in this city. So, I am pleased to see the launch of the public consultation on the preferred route, and I encourage people to have their say on this transformational project which reflects our Programme for Government commitment to develop strategic and sustainable transport where it is most needed.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “I am delighted that the Preferred Route for Luas Cork is being launched today, following useful public comments received to the Emerging Preferred Route last year. I encourage public engagement in this new public consultation as we seek to deliver this important new light rail line, which is underpinned by huge Government investment and will be transformative for the people of Cork.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer said: “It is vital that the route planning and engagement prioritises the views of residents, clubs, schools and communities that Cork Luas is intended to serve.“We must have strong, ongoing engagement and ensure that sensible decisions around location are made. “I want to encourage people to engage in this public consultation, and I have been promised by the NTA & TII that this consultation is paramount.”
Anne Shaw CEO of the NTA said: “It’s great to see progress being made on this project, and I’d encourage people in Cork to avail of this opportunity to get involved by participating in this consultation. I believe Luas Cork has the potential to be a transformative project that will benefit communities in the city and beyond, for generations to come.”
Lorcan O’Connor CEO of TII said: “Light rail is unparalleled in its transformative impact on cities by providing high-capacity, reliable, low-carbon public transport. TII stands ready to deliver Luas Cork and enable the sustained and sustainable growth of Cork city.”
For more information on the Luas Cork project www.luascork.ie
For media queries, please contact: media@luascork.ie
ENDS
Date Published: 17.04.2026
Notes
Luas Cork will be delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and has been designed in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA). It is being developed in close consultation with BusConnects to support the shift from cars to public transport and active travel.
The open days are as follows:
6 May – Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross 12pm – 8pm
7 May – Páirc Uí Chaoimh 12pm – 8pm
12 May – The Carraig Centre, Ballincollig 12pm – 8pm
13 May – Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street 12pm – 8pm
The Luas Cork project team will arrange in-person briefings with other organisations and impacted stakeholders throughout the consultation.
For further information contact Media@luascork.ie