Jacobs Contributes to Light Rail Transit Scheme Proposed for Ireland's Cork City

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has launched the Emerging Preferred Route (EPR) for an 18km long light rail line for Luas Cork. Now open to public consultation until early June 2025, Luas Cork features a rapid light rail transit corridor, running from Ballincollig in the west to Mahon Point in the east of Cork city. The proposed line will serve key destinations such as Munster Technology University, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cork city center and other significant locations.

Commissioned by TII, Jacobs conducted the alignment option selection study to determine both the feasibility of Luas Cork and to identify the Emerging Preferred Route for the scheme. The design and planning of Luas Cork is being developed in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and in consultation with Cork City Council (CCC).  Our services range from project and program management, transport analysis and modeling, benefits and environmental assessments, to concept design development, urban design & public realm vision, and public consultation.

The proposed scheme includes a new public transport bridge, new cycling infrastructure along much of the route, a 1000-vehicle Park & Ride facility in Ballincollig and a mobility hub in Mahon. Cork is projected to be the fastest-growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years, with its population expected to grow by 50 to 60 percent. High-quality public transport projects like Luas Cork are key to delivering the large-scale regeneration and investment planned for Cork, including the development of the Cork City Docklands, which is anticipated to deliver 20,000 new homes and almost 25,000 jobs. 

“The announcement of the Emerging Preferred Route for Luas Cork is a significant step in an infrastructure project that will be transformational for Cork city,” says Taoiseach Micheál Martin: “Luas Cork will hugely improve connectivity in the city by modernizing the city’s public transport network, making it more accessible and creating new opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses. It’s very positive to see this project progressing, and from that point of view I’d like to acknowledge the work done by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority and indeed Cork City Council.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD highlights: “By providing a modern, reliable and efficient public transport option, Luas Cork will encourage a shift away from private car use, reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and improving air quality. The project will also complement other sustainable transport initiatives, such as expanded bus services and enhanced cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.”

Across the island of Ireland, Jacobs serves clients in sectors spanning Advanced Manufacturing, Cities & Places, Energy, Environmental, Life Sciences, Transportation and Water. Key infrastructure projects include the National Transport Authority’s BusConnects Cork program, the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade, Cork County Council’s M28 Motorway project and Irish Rail's East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects program. Jacobs also has an extensive history with the life sciences sector in Ireland, supporting many of the country’s main manufacturing bases including recent projects such as the Edwards Lifesciences Greenfield Manufacturing Facility in Limerick.