The cork luas preferred route has been published, with Transport Infrastructure Ireland opening a public consultation on the proposed light rail line linking Ballincollig and Mahon Point. The plan was released on Friday, with residents notified of changes on Thursday and submissions now open until June 12 at 5. 30pm ET. The revised route is intended to reduce impacts on residents and businesses while improving access to key parts of the city.
Major route change in Bishopstown
The biggest change from the earlier draft route is in Bishopstown, where the line will now run past a number of schools and sports clubs before bisecting the Cork University Hospital campus. TII says the change is designed to improve access to those facilities, reduce traffic congestion, and provide direct access to CUH.
In Ballincollig, the route has been moved farther west to Flynn’s Road, with changes made to reduce the impact on the Church of St Mary and St John. TII said the new route is “largely similar” to the emerging preferred route published in mid-2025, but includes improvements such as new stops and reconfigured stops aimed at reducing local disruption.
What the consultation covers
The consultation is focused on the preferred route for the cork luas, a 27-stop line expected to run from Ballincollig in the west to Mahon Point in the east. The route will pass through Munster Technological University, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Blackrock and Mahon.
More than 1, 000 submissions were received during the first submission window, with concerns raised about cost, disruption during construction, accessibility and route issues. TII said it is engaging with CUH, schools and clubs along the line “to minimise the impact on their lands”.
Officials urge public input
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the “significant infrastructure project” will improve transport and connectivity in the city and encouraged the public to “have their say” on the route. TII has framed the plan as part of a wider effort to reduce local impacts while advancing a high-capacity system for the city.
The line is expected to carry 2, 300 passengers per hour in each direction at peak times, with journey times of 35 minutes from Ballincollig to the city centre and another 20 minutes to Mahon. The project is also expected to support the opening up of the Cork docklands for 20, 000 homes and up to 25, 000 jobs.
What happens next for Cork Luas
For now, the focus is on submissions and scrutiny of the preferred route, especially the sections affecting Bishopstown, Ballincollig and the CUH campus. The next phase of the cork luas process will be shaped by the feedback gathered before the June 12 deadline, with TII continuing direct engagement on the route as the consultation moves forward.
