Funding for Cork Luas will depend on ‘economic cycles’, Taoiseach says

Funding for a Luas tramline in Cork will be dependent on economic cycles, the Taoiseach cautioned as a public consultation for the project was launched.

Micheal Martin said he wanted to accelerate the project but refused to give a timeline for its completion.

Luas Cork is a proposed 18km-long light rail line with up to 25 stops running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations such as Munster Technological University, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock and Mahon.

An eight-week public consultation process on the preferred route has now opened.

The scheme includes a new public transport bridge connecting Kent Station to Kennedy Quay and new cycling infrastructure along much of the route.

The emerging preferred route also includes a proposed 1,000-vehicle park-and-ride facility in Ballincollig and a mobility hub in Mahon.

Mr Martin said the light-rail system would be “transformational” for Cork and indicated a desire to see the project fast tracked.

Asked if it could be five, 10, or 20 years before it is completed, he told reporters on Monday: “I’m wary because of other projects in the past and if you give a specific timeline, people are back on to you in terms of meeting those times.

“We’re going to get this done as efficiently and effectively as we can.”

Mr Martin also cautioned that the provision of that funding will depend on “economic cycles”.

The two rounds of public consultation are expected to take longer than six months, the Taoiseach said while expressing hope that the process could also be sped up.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien highlighted the significance of Cork being selected by the European Commission as one of Europe’s first climate-neutral cities.

“The development of Luas Cork will play a key role in achieving this goal. By providing a modern, reliable, and efficient public transport option, Luas Cork will encourage a shift away from private car use, reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and improving air quality.”