Cork Business Association had a very positive engagement with Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, focused on advancing critical transport priorities for Cork.
The discussion included welcome short term implementation measures including :
- Imminent extension of NTA statutory planning powers to Cork
- CMATS review in 2026
- Progress on the Cork Luas Emerging Preferred Route
- Delivery of new rail stations at Dunkettle and Blackpool/Kilbarry as part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail project
CBA emphasised the urgent need to address underperforming city bus services and accelerate BusConnects Cork, alongside progressing essential infrastructure such as:
- Park & Ride facilities (including Dunkettle and Ballincollig)
- Cork Northern Distributor Road to unlock critical housing
- Improved connectivity to Cork Airport
- Great Island Road connectivity to unlock Docklands development
- Future rail connectivity to Cork Airport, Carrigaline and Ringaskiddy
- Stronger on-the-ground presence from NTA, TII and LDA
With over 149,500 daily car commuters and continued population growth, transport capacity is now a critical issue for Cork’s future.
CBA will continue to strongly advocate for:
- Statutory backing for CMATS
- Immediate delivery of Park & Ride
- Acceleration of BusConnects Cork
- A dedicated delivery unit co-located at City Hall
We thank Minister O’Brien, Seamus McGrath TD, Jerry Buttimer TD and Pádraig O’Sullivan TD for their engagement and commitment, and also extend our thanks to Kevin Burke of the DBFL Transport team for his valuable advice during the meeting.
Transport investment is key to supporting Cork city centre, improving accessibility, and strengthening competitiveness.