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Luas Cork: Preferred route unveiled, connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point
🇮🇪 Ireland /Economy & Trade

Luas Cork: Preferred route unveiled, connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point

From RTÉ News · (6d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has announced the preferred route for the Luas Cork light rail project, estimated to cost between €2bn and €3bn.
  • The 18.6km route will feature 27 stops, connecting key areas from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, and is expected to take 10 years to construct.
  • TII is seeking public input on the project, which aims to support Cork's growth and facilitate major urban regeneration, particularly in the docklands.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has put forth the preferred route for the ambitious Luas Cork light rail project, a vital component of Cork's future urban development. This €2bn to €3bn investment is set to transform connectivity in Ireland's second city, spanning 18.6 kilometers and incorporating 27 stops.

The preferred route, revealed today, is similar to the emerging preferred route revealed a year ago, "but includes some improvements".

— TIIDescribing the updated route proposal.

The proposed alignment, largely consistent with earlier drafts but refined to minimize disruption, includes a notable diversion through the Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus. TII emphasizes that this change, along with others such as extending the route further west in Ballincollig, aims to enhance accessibility for schools, sports clubs, and the hospital itself, while simultaneously reducing traffic congestion.

It says the proposed route includes the addition of new stops and has been reconfigured to minimise impact on residents and businesses.

— TIIExplaining the modifications made to the route.

This project is intrinsically linked to Cork's projected growth, with the city expected to expand significantly over the next two decades. The Luas Cork is envisioned as a catalyst for large-scale regeneration, particularly in the Cork City Docklands, paving the way for substantial housing and job creation. TII is actively engaging with directly impacted entities, including CUH and local sports clubs, to address concerns and optimize the integration of the light rail.

This will shorten journey times, provide excellent access for the schools and sports clubs and will reduce traffic congestion in the area.

— TIIHighlighting the benefits of the route's diversion through Bishopstown.

With a projected construction timeline of 10 years post-approval, TII is now inviting the public to participate in a consultation process. Information sessions are being held across the city, offering citizens and organizations the opportunity to review the plans and provide feedback. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of public engagement in shaping a project of such magnitude for Cork's future.

Direct access into CUH will provide an attractive alternative to cars for its staff, patients and visitors.

— TIIStating the advantages of direct hospital access via the Luas.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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