Luas Cork Team wins Best Rail Team of the Year at Rail Link Awards 2026

Transport Infrastructure Ireland's (TII) Luas Cork project team, together with project partner Jacobs, who served as Engineering and Environmental Consultant during the development of the Preferred Route, were named Best Rail Team of the Year at the Rail Link Awards 2026.

The judges recognised the multidisciplinary public sector-led team responsible for advancing one of Ireland's most significant transport infrastructure projects and for progressing Luas Cork from Emerging Preferred Route to Preferred Route within just 12 months.

The award recognises excellence, innovation and collaboration across Ireland's rail sector. 

Speaking following the awards ceremony, Fergus Meehan, Head of Light Rail Cork, Regional Cities & GDA, TII, said:

"We are delighted to receive the Best Rail Team of the Year award. This recognition reflects the professionalism, expertise and commitment of the Luas Cork team and our colleagues in Jacobs. Progressing from Emerging Preferred Route to Preferred Route within twelve months was a significant achievement and demonstrates what can be delivered through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable transport for Cork." This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the project to date, including our project partners, stakeholders, local authorities and the many communities who have engaged with us throughout the process."

The proposed Luas Cork network will form the backbone of Cork's future public transport system, connecting key employment centres, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and regeneration areas across the city. Once delivered, it will support sustainable growth, reduce car dependency and help create a more connected and liveable city for future generations.

The award highlights the growing momentum behind Luas Cork and provides further recognition of the progress made to date in developing a transformative public transport project for the city.

The Luas Cork project team brings together expertise across project management, engineering, urban design, architecture, transport planning, environmental assessment, stakeholder engagement, communications, commercial management and risk management. Drawing on decades of experience from the planning, delivery and operation of Luas in Dublin and other major infrastructure programmes, the team has developed a proposal designed to support Cork's continued growth while improving connectivity, accessibility and sustainability.

This award recognises the work undertaken between 2025 and 2026 to refine and develop the proposed Luas Cork route, culminating in the launch of the Preferred Route public consultation on 17 April 2026. The proposed light rail system comprises a circa 20km corridor with 27 stops linking Ballincollig, Cork City Centre and Mahon, providing the high-capacity public transport network needed to support Cork's future growth.

The award comes less than a month after the Luas Cork team received Highly Commended recognition in the Team of the Year category at the Global Light Rail Awards, further demonstrating the project's growing profile within the national and international rail sector.

Date published: 09.11.2026