'Once again, the northside is being left behind' says Deputy Gould
The main political opposition party has this week launched a petition calling for the proposed Cork Luas plans to include a route which would run from the northside to the southside of the city.
It follows on from the news last week of an emerging preferred route for a Cork Luas service with public consultation now underway. The proposed 18km light rail line runs from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations like MTU, CUH, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock, and Mahon.
On Tuesday, Sinn Féin TDs Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire and Thomas Gould launched their petition calling for a north-south route, specifically referencing a stop at Cork Airport. Cork Sinn Féin has launched a petition to ensure the National Transport Authority (NTA) “now seriously examines the possibility for this”.
Deputy Ó Laoghaire said: “Progress on a Luas is welcome, and this is an initiative I have been campaigning for since 2017. We need to see this delivered quickly and unfortunately the timeline given for completion is far too long.
“It could be up to 15 years before passengers are on it, according to Government projections, that is far too long. However, if we are talking in the medium term, then it seems crazy not to put in place any provision for a north south route.
“I am really disappointed that there is no consideration given to a route going from the south to the north, taking in places with large populations and heavy traffic such as Carrigaline, Douglas, the airport and other areas as well as serving the northside.
“We want to encourage people to take public transport and change from the car.
“There are countless people in Carrigaline and Douglas, and indeed the outlying areas, that have to get the car to get to work on time and get their children to school. So it seems to me a no brainer to incorporate these areas. We need a ‘Carriga-Luas’ and ‘Doug-Luas’ route. It is not unrealistic provided planning is done. Such a route could connect with the city centre and the northside which is similarly overlooked. It could also incorporate a spur to the airport, which is going to be necessary to ensure the long term success of the airport. We will be out on the streets and going door to door with this petition, and we urge people, make your submission to the official consultation, and to please support our petition.”
Deputy Gould added: “If we are serious about growing Cork, then light rail and rapid bus transport must be delivered in the medium term. Such infrastructure requires careful planning and will take time, but it needs to be in place to ensure that we have a modern and efficient public transport system in Cork.
“The entire Luas route is on the southside. Once again, the northside is being left behind in big infrastructure developments. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are happy enough to open a second prison on the northside but won’t even consider our communities for a Luas line. It is unacceptable.
“This proposal must be the first phase to be followed closely by an interconnected second phase that will deliver for communities on the northside.
“Areas like Glanmire Mayfield, Knocknaheeny, and Ballyvolane are currently undergoing extensive construction — now would be the perfect time to begin installing a Luas line.”