Cork commuter group criticises journey times, frequency, and passenger capacity on city's Luas plan

Sinn Féin city councillor Joe Lynch criticised Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for not hosting a dedicated open day on the project in Ballincollig, given the scale of route proposals in and around the town.

“I have written to them imploring them to host a dedicated open day event in the town and I seriously hope they take this suggestion on board," he said.

Commuter coalition chairperson Ciarán Meers welcomed the publication of the emerging route for publication consultation but said: “As it stands, this proposal gives a second-tier transport system to a top-tier city.” 

Some of the route choices make little sense, he added, including a loop in Ballincollig which excludes several major housing estates, the large employment hub at Dell/EMC, and could make a western extension difficult.

Projected journey times of 35 minutes from Ballincollig to the city are not competitive with either bus or car, Mr Meers added.

And the decision not to use the Passage greenway, as was originally suggested, means the trams will face tight corners and lower speeds through the Blackrock and Mahon suburbs, he said.

He also expressed concerns about the 10-tram per hour frequency.

“This compares negatively to 17 trams per hour in Dublin. This lower service frequency, and usage of shorter vehicles will result in a far reduced passenger capacity, with a change significantly reduced from targets in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy,” he said.

“Cmats outlines a potential of over 11,000 passenger capacity with two-minute frequencies at rush hour, or 4,600 passenger capacity with five-minute frequencies at other times.

“This plan has cut this significantly, to only 2,300 passenger capacity, with six-minute frequencies at peak hour.

“This is a highly concerning reduction, and means it is possible that trams will be completely full from day one of operation.

“In Dublin, all Green Line stops and trams were lengthened in 2017 in order to keep up with demand.

Cork needs to avoid making the same mistake, so that the Luas Cork doesn't require expensive, lengthy, and unnecessary upgrades not long after service begins.

But Mr Meers supported many parts of the draft route, including integrated transport connections at Kent Station, a park and ride in Ballincollig and a mobility hub in Mahon, and said the public consultation must be “succinct and meaningful”.

You can get details on the route and the public consultation at here.