Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has revealed the preferred route for a light rail service in Cork, to run from Ballincollig in the west of the city to Mahon Point in the east.
TII estimates that the project will cost in the region of €2bn to €3bn and could be operational within 10 years, subject to funding being approved.
TII is inviting contributions to a public consultation process on the project. It will hold four open day information sessions on the project at locations in the city in May.
TII also says in-person briefings will be held by the Luas Cork project team for people and organisations impacted by the project.
Luas Cork will be delivered by TII and has been designed in collaboration with the National Transport Authority. It is being developed in consultation with BusConnects to support the shift from cars to public transport and active travel.
Under the route published today, the proposed Luas Cork will have 27 stops, connecting Munster Technological University, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock and Mahon.
The route will extend over 18.6km.
TII says the preferred route, revealed today, is similar to the emerging preferred route revealed a year ago, "but includes some improvements".
It says the proposed route includes the addition of new stops and has been reconfigured to minimise impact on 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," TII said.
The impacts on both Bishopstown GAA Club and Highfield Rugby Club will be watched closely, particularly if there is any land acquisition involved.
"This will shorten journey times, provide excellent access for the schools and sports clubs and will reduce traffic congestion in the area," TII said.
"Direct access into CUH will provide an attractive alternative to cars for its staff, patients and visitors."
TII said its project team is already engaging directly with clubs, schools and CUH on the details of its preferred route "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, from the route published last year.
TII says this will widen the catchment area, while it says some changes have been made on Station Road to improve access and minimise the impact on the Church of St Mary and St John.
TII points out that Cork is planned to be the fastest-growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years, with its population targeted to grow by more than 50 percent.
It says Luas Cork is key to delivering the large-scale regeneration and investment planned for the city, 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.
Reacting to the publication of the preferred route, 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."
"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," said Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien.
"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 Luas Cork 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."
"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," said NTA CEO Anne Shaw.
"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."
The open day briefing sessions will take place at the Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross, on 6 May, from midday to 8pm; at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 7 May from midday to 8pm; at the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig on 12 May 12 from midday to 8pm; and at the Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork, on 13 May from midday to 8pm.
Details of the new route have been published on luascork.ie.
