Cork Luas build ‘to start in lifetime of this government’

A computer-generated image of Cork's proposed new light-rail system on Washington Street. The proposed route connects key destinations such as the main campus of Munster Technological University (MTU) at Bishopstown, Cork University Hospital (CUH), University College Cork (UCC), the city centre, Kent train station, Cork docklands, Blackrock and Mahon. File photo

Construction on a light rail system for Cork can get underway during the lifetime of the current government, the transport minister has said.

The proposed route of the Luas-style system runs 18km from Ballincollig in the west of the city to Mahon Point in the east, with 25 stops along the way.

It connects key destinations such as the main campus of Munster Technological University (MTU) at Bishopstown, Cork University Hospital (CUH), University College Cork (UCC), the city centre, Kent train station, Cork docklands, Blackrock and Mahon.

The project has recently concluded a public consultation, with 1,003 submissions received. Minister Darragh O'Brien told the Irish Examiner that while he is not giving definitive timelines, planning changes mean that construction could start by 2029.

He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin had insisted that the plan be accelerated as it is "a critical project for Cork".

"I want to see it start under construction as quickly as we can," Mr O'Brien said. 

"If we look at Cork commuter rail on top of the work that's already happening there with the addition of passing loops and new platforms, new services ... people are responding really, really well to that.

"The truth is I can't give you a timeframe on that right now, but we've got to get this through at each stage. The preferred route option was published, we've actually met people. Submissions have to be looked at and then we need to move towards planning.

"I can't say how long the planning will take, but all I would say is that we're looking at a situation whereby any application will go in under the new planning architecture, and that should expedite it."

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Mr O'Brien said the changes to planning legislation will make the application "slightly more straightforward" as it will be done under changes to judicial reviews and legal fees.

"The vast majority of people see the importance of these projects. You will have people who have concerns, but they should be dealt with through the planning process, not in the courts."

A second round of public consultation will take place on the preferred route in early 2026 before a a railway order is sought.

"All things being equal after the railway order, you'd be looking at that, if everything went well, in 2027 and then off you go for for tendering."