Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has today pulled back the curtain on the most detailed plans yet for the Cork Light Rail system, commonly known as “Luas Cork.” The ambitious project will feature a 17-kilometer track and 27 strategically placed stops, linking the western suburb of Ballincollig to Mahon Point in the east, passing through the very heart of the city.
The Route in Detail
The proposed line begins at a major new transport hub in Ballincollig, serving the growing residential population and the nearby Cork Science and Innovation Park. From the west, the tram will travel toward the city center, making crucial stops at Munster Technological University (MTU) and Cork University Hospital (CUH). These two stops alone are expected to handle thousands of students and healthcare workers daily, significantly reducing car dependency on the Wilton road.
Continuing eastward, the tram enters the historic city core. A key feature of the new route is its passage through University College Cork (UCC) and along Washington Street, leading to a central interchange at Patrick Street and the Grand Parade. This ensures that the city’s main retail and cultural districts are directly accessible by high-capacity rail for the first time.
Revitalizing the Docklands
Perhaps the most significant impact of the Luas will be in the Cork Docklands. The route is designed to service the North and South Docks, areas currently undergoing massive regeneration. By providing a high-frequency link to Kent Station, the Luas will integrate perfectly with Irish Rail’s suburban network, allowing passengers from Mallow, Cobh, and Midleton to transfer seamlessly to the tram.
The line concludes in Mahon, with stops serving the City Gate Business Park and Mahon Point Shopping Centre, two of the largest employment and retail hubs in the region.
Project Timeline and Capacity
The project is a cornerstone of the government’s “Project Ireland 2040” plan. Once operational, the tram is expected to carry up to 15,000 passengers per hour. While construction is a multi-year undertaking, today’s announcement of the 27 specific stops allows property owners and businesses to begin planning for a rail-connected future.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, described the route as “a game-changer for Cork,” noting that it would make the city one of the most sustainable and accessible in Europe. The TII has confirmed that approximately 80% of the route will be “segregated,” meaning the tram will have its own dedicated path, unaffected by city traffic.
Public Participation
The NTA has invited the public to participate in a final round of consultations. Residents can view the 27 proposed stop locations online or at City Hall. Feedback is specifically sought on the integration of cycle lanes and pedestrian plazas alongside the tram tracks, ensuring a holistic approach to urban mobility.
