Cork TD Jerry Buttimer 'not happy' with proposed €2.5bn Luas route through Bishopstown clubs

Sports clubs and residents have raised fears over land loss as consultation continues on Cork’s proposed light rail line

Jerry Buttimer has called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland to listen to the concerns of all stakeholders impacted by the light rail route.

The minister of state at the Department of Transport is “not happy” with the proposed route of the €2.5bn Cork Luas, which is set to cut through  two sports clubs in his constituency.

Jerry Buttimer, a Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and the junior transport minister, has called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to listen to the concerns of all stakeholders impacted by the light rail route.

It comes as Bishopstown GAA Club said this week it will fight “to the very end” the “completely unacceptable” preferred Luas route, which is currently planned to cut through its land and that of neighbouring rugby club Highfield.

Cork Luas is a proposed 20km light rail line running east-west across the city, from Ballincollig in the west to Mahon Point in the east with 27 stops planned.

The preferred route was published three weeks ago and includes significant changes at the western end of the line in Ballincollig and Bishopstown.

It will now turn east at the northern end of Melbourn Road, pass Bishopstown Community School, and cut through the grounds of Bishopstown GAA Club and Highfield Rugby Club.

TII said the preferred route is “the worst-case scenario” and promised to engage with stakeholders.

Mr Buttimer, a former chairman of Bishopstown GAA, told the Irish Examiner he was “not happy with the proposed route”, and urged TII to listen to the clubs’ concerns.

His comments mark the first significant political obstacle faced by the light rail project.

While there have been political concerns about the exclusion of the city’s northside and the decision not to serve Cork Airport, this is the first time a Government TD has openly spoken out on the route.

It is understood that Mr Buttimer, whose political base is in Bishopstown, has come under considerable pressure in recent weeks, and had lengthy discussions with both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

Mr Buttimer insisted he supports the planned light rail project but was “not comfortable with the idea of it running through our precious sporting clubs”.

“The one thing that we can’t create in our area is any more land for sporting and recreational facilities," he said.

I’m genuinely sad to see so many members of Highfield and Bishopstown upset, worried, angry, and fearful about the proposals for their clubs.

Mr Buttimer said he had told TII there needed to be “meaningful engagement” with both clubs and with all stakeholders.

“We need this so that we can deliver the Luas whilst also protecting our sporting and community facilities which are at the heart of Bishopstown,” he said.

Paolo Carbone, TII head of light rail capital programmes, said TII was committed “to working constructively with the minister and all impacted stakeholders to deliver a Luas Cork that works for everyone.

“We encourage all stakeholders to engage with the public consultation, and we welcome the minister’s commitment to working with TII and Bishopstown GAA to resolve the issues raised,” he said.

Separately, residents on the eastern side of Wilton Ave voiced their own concerns that the Luas will cut through their back gardens as the line skirts the grounds of Cork University Hospital.

One resident asked why they should face compulsory purchase orders when the State already owns the adjoining hospital.

“Why should private land be sacrificed for State infrastructure when there’s State land literally over our walls?” he said.

The current round of non-statutory public consultation runs until Friday, June 12, with TII holding four open days across the city, the first two of which occurred this week.

TII said the feedback it had received was “broadly positive”, with strong support for the project even from those who had concerns.

The next open days will be held on Thursday, May 12, at the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig, and on Friday, May 13, at the Metropole Hotel on MacCurtain St, both running from 12pm to 8pm.