Luas Cork Public Consultation Report Published

Strong support for Luas Cork with public feedback helping to shape next stage of proposed rail line.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) today published the Luas Cork Preferred Route 2026 Post-Consultation Report, detailing the findings from the recent eight-week public consultation on the proposed light rail line linking Ballincollig and Mahon Point.

The consultation, which ran from 17 April to 12 June 2026, generated significant public engagement, with 1,733 submissions received and 1,660 attendees participating in public events and stakeholder briefings across Cork.
The report demonstrates strong public backing for investment in high-capacity public transport, while also identifying local issues and concerns that will help inform the next stage of design development.

The consultation identified four key findings:

  • Strong support for improved public transport in Cork City. 85.2% of respondents support the development of Luas Cork.
  • Support for the scheme, but requests for refinement. Feedback frequently focused on route alignment, access arrangements, local traffic management and potential effects on established communities.
  • Local community impacts require careful consideration. Issues highlighted by participants included impacts on communities and sports clubs in Bishopstown; access and traffic in Ballincollig, Ballintemple and Blackrock; and maritime activity on the River Lee.
  • Strong public interest in future route extensions and integration with bus, rail, walking, cycling and Park & Ride facilities.

When the public was asked to rank the benefits of Luas Cork, 76.6% of respondents selected frequent, reliable, safe transport while 71.7% selected the potential to reduce traffic congestion.  The support for sustainable travel and accommodating Cork's projected population growth was clear.

The report also highlights significant support for future-proofing the network, with many respondents calling for future extensions west of Ballincollig, beyond Mahon Point, and improved connections to Cork Airport and other growth areas.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Lorcan O'Connor, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, said:
"We would like to thank everyone who participated in this consultation. The level of engagement demonstrates the importance people place on delivering high-quality public transport for Cork. The feedback confirms strong support for Luas Cork while also identifying local issues that require further consideration as the project progresses. We are committed to working with communities and stakeholders to refine and develop the project. Every submission will be considered in the next stage of design development and bring Luas Cork closer to delivery."
 
Anne Shaw CEO of the NTA said: “We welcome the publication of the Luas Cork Public Consultation Report. Public engagement is a vital part of the transport planning process, and it is encouraging to see such high levels of engagement with more than 1,700 submissions were received providing feedback on the preferred route. Luas Cork is a key project under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) and will play an important role in supporting the sustainable growth of Cork and its metropolitan area. We look forward to continuing to work closely with TII and other stakeholders as the project progresses to the planning application stage.”


The findings will now be used to inform the preliminary design stage of the project. TII will continue to engage with communities, stakeholders, businesses and public representatives as the scheme develops. The next phase will include further design refinement, environmental and technical assessments, stakeholder engagement and preparation for the Railway Order planning process. This will include a further opportunity for the public to have their say during a statutory public consultation.

The full Post-Consultation Report is available at www.luascork.ie.

For media queries please contact:
Caitríona McCarry
Press Officer
086 809 3975
media@luascork.ie

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

  • Luas Cork is a proposed 18km light rail line connecting Ballincollig, MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock and Mahon Point. The project forms a key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and will support the city's continued growth by providing a reliable, sustainable public transport system.
  • The project is being developed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in partnership with the National Transport Authority.
  • Further information is available at www.luascork.ie. 

 

Date published: 10.09.2026