Cork Airport link proposed for Luas during public consultation

The Taoiseach pledged to accelerate the delivery of the light rail system amid calls from the Labour Party for work to start on it before the end of the decade

The Cork Luas also includes a proposed 1,000 vehicle park-and-ride facility at Clash, a new public transport bridge connecting Kent station to Kennedy Quay, and a 'mobility hub' in Mahon.

Hundreds of people attended the first open day on plans for the multi-billion Cork Luas, with several suggesting it include a link to the airport.

As public consultation opened on the emerging preferred route, maps of the draft route were on display, and engineers from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) were available to answer specific questions as the first of four open day events got underway at the Kingsley Hotel.

“Most people are affected residents who were taken through the detailed drawings by engineers,” a spokesperson for Luas Cork said. 

"Others are people generally interested who have suggestions like a route going to the airport. Everyone is being encouraged to make a submission. It’s a very engaging process with productive conversations.” 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin unveiled the emerging preferred route for the Cork Luas for public consultation on April 14.

While he declined to give a start or completion date, he pledged to accelerate the delivery of the light rail system amid calls from the Labour Party for work to start on it before the end of the decade.

As public consultation opened on the emerging preferred route, maps of the draft route were on display, and engineers from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) were available to answer specific questions.

A proposal to get a compulsory purchase order and to demolish the landmark Venue Bar in Ballintemple, in order to facilitate the Luas line running from SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh up a steep hill past Maryville to cross Blackrock Rd and run on to Churchyard Lane, has sparked controversy.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland engineers met with pub owners Con Dennehy and Kate Tierney the morning after the emerging route was published to discuss the process.

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has also launched a petition calling for a north-south route, taking in Douglas and Carrigaline, with a spur serving Cork Airport.

"It seems to me a no-brainer to incorporate these areas. We need a Carrigaline and Douglas Luas route. It is not unrealistic provided planning is done," he said.

Such a route could connect with the city centre and the northside, which is similarly overlooked 

"It could also incorporate a spur to the airport, which is going to be necessary to ensure the long-term success of the airport."

Transport Infrastructure Ireland said all feedback on the draft route, including potential impacts on places such as the Venue Bar and suggestions of extra routes, will all be considered during this initial phase of public consultation.

A proposal to get a compulsory purchase order and to demolish the landmark Venue Bar in Ballintemple has sparked controversy. Picture: Larry Cummins.

The open day sessions continue on Tuesday with an event in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh from 12pm to 8pm, and in the Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain St, next Tuesday, May 6, from 12pm to 8pm, with Transport Infrastructure Ireland confirming that it has added a specific route exhibition day in Ballincollig.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch had expressed concerns last week that, given the scale of Luas development proposed for the town centre, the town should have a dedicated open day. He welcomed confirmation that it will take place in the town’s Carraig Centre from 12pm-8pm on May 9.

The draft route from Ballincollig to Mahon Point has been designed with 25 stops — including Munster Technology Institute’s main campus at Bishopstown, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork (UCC), the city centre, Kent train station, the docklands, Blackrock, and Mahon. 

The Cork Luas also includes a proposed 1,000 vehicle park-and-ride facility at Clash, a new public transport bridge connecting Kent station to Kennedy Quay, and a "mobility hub" in Mahon.