Locals want Cork Luas to extend out to Carrigaline, the city's northside, and airport

Public consultation found 63% of all respondents wanted Luas Cork extended

Cork Luas: An eight-week public consultation on the route attracted 1,003 submissions.

Communities have called for Cork’s first Luas to extend beyond the proposed route to include major suburban areas like Douglas and Carrigaline, and on to Cork Airport.

A public consultation on Cork’s first light rail found 63% of all respondents wanted Luas Cork extended.

The most popular suggestion was to extend the light rail line south to include areas like Douglas, Carrigaline, Rochestown, Frankfield, Ringaskiddy, Ballinhassig, and Ballyphehane.

These areas are densely populated, experience daily traffic congestion, and lack reliable bus services, which leads many people to rely on private cars, submissions said.

An extension to Cork Airport was also very popular.

Others proposed a westward extension to Classis Lake and Ovens to serve major employers like Dell.

Requests to extend the route north to areas such as Glanmire, Blackpool, Hollyhill, Fairhill and Mayfield were also made, with calls to include the Apple Computers campus.

Development of a North–South line to complement the existing proposed East–West route was also suggested.

An eastern extension drew the fewest requests, with only some calling for an extension to Jacob's Island, Little Island, and Passage West.

Luas Cork is currently proposed to be an 18km light rail line that will link Ballincollig and Mahon, via the city centre. Key destinations on the proposed line include MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, the Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Mahon.

Estimated journey times are 35 minutes from Ballincollig to the city centre and an additional 20 minutes to Mahon. The Luas line is to include a 1,000-space park and ride facility in Ballincollig, and a 'mobility hub' in Mahon, both equipped with bike parking, EV charging, and pick-up/drop-off points.

The Luas is to integrate with existing bus services and connect to national and commuter rail at Kent Station. The project also features a new public transport bridge linking Kent Station to Kennedy Quay, and enhanced cycling infrastructure along much of the route.

An eight-week public consultation on the route attracted 1,003 submissions.

Although most spoke of the need for light rail, some concerns were raised about elements of the proposed route.

Concerns were raised the proposed line running through historic MacCurtain Street could impact businesses reliant on outdoor seating.

Respondents also mentioned existing traffic congestion could worsen with tram operations and underground services beneath the westbound traffic lane on MacCurtain Street could complicate and prolong works.

Respondents such as The Victorian Quarter group emphasised the importance of preserving outdoor dining areas, as this was vital to maintaining the vibrant atmosphere on the street.

MacCurtain Wine Cellar said: “We have concerns... about underground services and existing cellars... As a business that cannot function without its basement, it is worrying...” 

Issues such as potential demolition of buildings, compulsory purchase of land and disruption to long-standing businesses were also outlined across other areas of the route.

Respondents opposed the proposed demolition of The Venue Bar in Ballintemple, describing it as an important social amenity for the entire community.

Suggestions were made to explore alternative routes to preserve such community assets and minimise potential economic impacts, including job losses.

Residents were also worried about the possible impact of the rail line on access to private properties, including driveways, parking areas and gardens. Areas mentioned included Skehard Road, Well Road, Cranford Pines, Curraheen Road, the Wilton Junction area and Victoria Cross.

Residents and businesses in a number of areas were also concerned about accessibility to their properties.

The locations that generated most concern were Churchyard Lane and Ballincollig.

“Churchyard Lane is a pinch point on the route. It connects key destinations; but it is narrow, and residents have raised several concerns about the impact on them. In Ballincollig, both the single track 'loop' and the use of Station Road were seen as issues for residents and businesses there,” the report said.

Proposals to build a fixed bridge at quay level to facilitate north/south connectivity drew concerns from the maritime community, who said it could block vessel access to the city centre, threatening events like Maritime Day and the Ocean to City Race.

Some calls were also made to improve existing public transport services before sinking resources into something new and more expensive.

The Luas Cork Project said it aimed to “proceed with the development of a preferred route, which we aim to publish in the first quarter of 2026”. 

“This will be followed by another public consultation, offering a further opportunity for feedback,” it said.