Cork to Invest Billions in Public Transport, Luas, Commuter Rail, and BusConnects by 2040

Cork is set to invest billions of euro in public transport upgrades over the next decade, aiming to transform its networks by 2040. This unprecedented investment seeks to create an integrated, user-friendly, and environmentally sustainable system to reduce car dependency. The city's population, currently around 224,000, is projected to grow by 50-60% to one-third of a million by 2040, making Cork Ireland's fastest-growing city region and a primary economic counterbalance to Dublin.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) recently unveiled its preferred 18.6km light rail route for the Cork Luas, connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point with 27 stops. Estimated to cost €2 billion to €3 billion, TII aims for the Luas to be operational within a decade, pending funding and a 2028 railway order application. Separately, Iarnród Éireann opened public consultation for phase two of its Cork Area Commuter Rail project. Phase one saw a €300 million investment in rail infrastructure, including a revamped Kent Station. Phase two promises eight new commuter stations and accelerated development of two others, aiming for a 10-minute frequency and increasing annual passenger journeys from one million to three million. The total cost for this phase is €1.8 billion, with construction slated to begin in May 2028 and completion in the early 2030s.

Alongside rail, the €456 million M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway is under construction, due for completion by summer 2028. This 11km motorway and 1.5km relief road will improve access to Cork Port and ease congestion. Furthermore, BusConnects Cork, approved last October, involves a €2.3 billion to €3.5 billion capital investment in the bus and cycling network. This includes 90km of segregated bus lanes and 95km of segregated cycle routes across 11 corridors, with planning applications expected this year. The plan also features new bus stops, real-time information, simplified fares, and a zero-emissions bus fleet, aiming for over 50% more bus services, with two routes operating 24 hours daily.

Finally, Cork Airport is undergoing a €200 million investment to increase annual passenger numbers from over three million to five million within the next decade.