Darragh O'Brien backs plans for Cork strategic transportation office

The transport minster said he wants to see coordination on major projects to be carried out 'properly' under one office

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien: 'We’re investing in public transport, transport, and housing in all different sectors here in the Cork region, like has never been seen before'. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins 

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has backed plans for a new strategic office in Cork to oversee major transport infrastructure projects across the city.

Mr O’Brien said he wants to see coordination on major projects, such as Cork Luas, the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, and Busconnects, to be carried out “properly” under one office.

“I’m dealing with agencies and officials to make this happen. We expect, hopefully, some positive news very soon,” Mr O’Brien said.

“We’re investing in public transport, transport, and housing in all different sectors here in the Cork region, like has never been seen before.”

Proposals for a dedicated transport office in Cork city were first put forward by Fianna Fáil TD Seamus McGrath, who previously said it must be given decision-making powers.

Several large projects are being progressed in Cork City, including the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and Cork BusConnects.

Mr McGrath welcomed the commitment by the transport minister.

“There are multi-billion-euro transportation projects in the pipeline for Cork City and county,” Mr McGrath said.

“In my opinion, these projects should be managed under one roof in Cork in a new Strategic Transportation Office by a dedicated team from all the relevant organisations, such as the National Transport Authority, Bus Eireann, Irish Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the local authorities.

“As the second largest city in the State, we need to have this local focus to ensure progression and delivery as efficiently as possible.”

The move towards a strategic transport office in Cork comes just days after public expenditure minister Jack Chambers confirmed that the Cork Commuter Rail project would be designated as "critical infrastructure" under new laws.

This will require State agencies to prioritise the delivery of the commuter rail upgrade, with Mr Chambers saying the designation would “improve wider timelines”.

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Other projects in the pipeline in Cork include the upcoming Cork Luas, with the preferred route for the light-rail line being unveiled in April.

A Government source indicated that the proposed Cork Luas is "the type of project that could be considered" for designation as critical infrastructure.

The Public Expenditure Minister has said there will be designation of projects as infrastructure every two to three months.

“I don't plan on bringing a list every week, because I want my team in my department, with other government departments, to be clear on the priorities,” Mr Chambers said.

He added that the approach should drive "better oversight" of State agencies to ensure resources are aligned with critical infrastructure projects.

Mr Chambers told reporters last Friday that he wanted to make “real, tangible improvements for the lives of Irish people” through new infrastructure developments.

• Tadgh McNally is Political Reporter.