Luas Cork extensions ‘more than likely’ within decade

Computer-generated image of the Cork Luas. TII head of light rail projects Paolo Carbone said that, once all planning stages are cleared, construction of the rail line would take five years and could be completed by 2036.

Preparations for extensions to the €2.5bn-plus Luas Cork project will “more than likely” begin in the next 10 years, before the initial phase is complete, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has said.

The preferred route for the 20km light rail service was published in April. It is due to run over 27 stops from Ballincollig in the west, through the city centre, to Mahon in the east. It is  subject to a non-statutory public consultation.

TII head of light rail projects Paolo Carbone said that, once all planning stages are cleared, construction of the rail line would take five years and could be completed by 2036.

The choice of route has proven controversial, with some anger at the exclusion of much of the city’s northside and the lack of a proposed extension to the airport.

The decision has been defended by Mr Carbone, who said the initial spine of the project will be the most difficult to deliver.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner at an event hosted by Cork Chamber yesterday, Mr Carbone said there is no reason work on extensions to the initial light rail corridor could not begin within the next decade.

“We are trying to come up with a light rail spine for Cork that is deliverable, that runs from east to west, and the current scheme does not preclude any other extensions,” he said.

“We are working collaboratively with the National Transport Authority and Cork City Council, but [extensions] will be a consideration for future plans.

“The most important thing is coming up with a spine that can be delivered, in a timely fashion, subject to funding of course.” 

Mr Carbone said planning for additional Luas Cork routes would likely begin within the next decade.

"Within the next 10 years, it is more than likely that the planning for extensions will start. 

“There is no need to stop the current phase to plan for extensions, they can run parallel,” he said.

The current round of non-statutory public consultation on the preferred route for the Luas Cork runs until Friday, June 12.