Today the Cork Business Association welcomes two transformative transport developments for Cork City.
The Cork Business Association (CBA) today announces its strong endorsement of two landmark developments in Cork’s public transport infrastructure, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s progression toward sustainable and efficient mobility solutions.
The “Emerging Preferred Route” for Cork’s new light rail system, a central element of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), has been revealed and is now open for public consultation from 11:30am today. This 18-kilometre east-west Luas-style system will connect Ballincollig to Mahon Point, fulfilling a long-standing objective outlined in the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) and various statutory development plans. The CBA has been a long time advocate for a rapid mass transit system in Cork, recognising its critical role in reducing private car dependency, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing the city’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and visit. The preferred route will serve key destinations including MTU, Cork University Hospital (CUH), and University College Cork (UCC), while integrating strategically with the city centre via St. Patrick’s Street and MacCurtain Street.
Further details can be found here – https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41613178.html
QUOTE “This rapid mass transit system represents a transformative investment in Cork’s future. While we acknowledge the short-term disruptions during construction, the long-term benefits—reduced congestion, improved connectivity, and a greener city—will far outweigh these challenges. We encourage the public and business community to actively participate in the consultation process to ensure this project delivers maximum benefit for the region.”
In a complementary advancement for Cork’s transport network, Platform 6 at Kent Station has formally opened today, significantly upgrading regional rail services. The new 220-metre platform enables commuter trains to travel directly from Mallow to Middleton or Cobh without terminating at Kent Station, eliminating the need for passengers to change services. This development is part of a broader suite of initiatives that will triple the capacity of Cork’s commuter rail network, delivering faster, more efficient journeys for thousands of daily passengers.
QUOTE “The expansion of Kent Station is a critical step in modernising Cork’s rail infrastructure. By streamlining connections and increasing capacity, we are not only improving daily commutes but also supporting economic growth and regional development. This is the largest ever investment in Cork rail and a clear demonstration of progress in making Cork a more accessible, cleaner and connected city.”
These developments underscore Cork’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and integrated transport network that meets the needs of its growing population and economy. The CBA reaffirms its dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of these projects, which will play a vital role in shaping Cork’s future as a dynamic and liveable city.