Proposed Cork Luas bridge would ‘permanently block’ city quays, maritime figure claims

Cruise industry representative says proposed light rail bridge could restrict vessel access and damage Cork’s maritime activity

"Under the current proposal, ships will never again be seen in our Maritime City, no foreign naval vessels, no cruise vessels, tall ships, no ferries or water taxis, visiting yachts and power boats," said Mr McCarthy. Picture: David Creedon

The Cork-based ambassador of the largest cruise port network in northern Europe has warned that the city’s quays will be effectively “permanently blocked” by a fixed bridge across the River Lee as part of the proposed Cork Luas project.

Former commercial manager of the Port of Cork Company and Cruise Europe ambassador Michael McCarthy said alternative options exist for the new light rail network that would avoid restricting access for vessels docking in the city centre.

The revised Luas Cork route includes 27 stops, running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point through the city centre. The 20km network will connect key destinations including MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock, and Mahon.

17/04/26: Luas Cork Preferred Route 2026

As part of the preferred route, the light rail system will travel southwards on a new public transport bridge over the River Lee from Horgan’s Quay to the south docklands.

Luas Cork said it is engaging with representatives of the maritime community about the impact the new bridge could have on river activity and “will continue to engage on this issue”.

"We are also engaging with Cork City Council to ensure that the wider development of the docklands is designed in cooperation and as part of an integrated transport and development strategy for Cork Docklands," the developers said. 

Ships ‘will never be seen again’

However, Mr McCarthy warned that the current plans would “sterilise” Cork city’s maritime culture. While expressing support for a light rail system for Cork, he added: "While our forefathers had the solution 200 years ago, the current planners seem to want to ignore their experience of growing a city around the port. 

"Under the current proposal, ships will never again be seen in our Maritime City, no foreign naval vessels, no cruise vessels, tall ships, no ferries or water taxis, visiting yachts and power boats.”

Mr McCarthy said anything larger than small rowing boats, kayaks, and punts would be unable to pass under the proposed bridge to berth at Horgan’s Quay, Penrose Quay, North and South Custom House Quay, including the pontoons, Albert Quay, South Jetties, and the Swinging Basin.

"This would also prevent small cruise ships from docking in the heart of the city, cutting revenue streams for local businesses," he said. 

Concerns over proposed route

Mr McCarthy’s comments follow concerns raised by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer, who said he is “not happy” with the proposed Cork Luas route, which is set to pass through two sports clubs in his constituency.

The two clubs join Bishopstown GAA, which last week said it would fight “to the very end” to prevent the preferred route from cutting through its lands and those of neighbouring rugby club Highfield.

The fourth and final public briefing on the proposed plans is due to take place at the The Metropole Hotel on Wednesday from 12pm.

"I, along with other river users, will ask the design team to revisit the preferred route across current bridges to protect our safe harbour for ships and avoid a mistake that future generations will rue," Mr McCarthy said.