Cork needs a ‘LUAS’, says Green Party

“Transport 21 has left Cork pretty well out of the picture with regards to future high budget transport development programmes,” he said.

“Much of what is proposed for Cork under Transport 21 was either already underway or has been postponed indefinitely.

“Other projects such as the North Ring Route around the city and the badly-needed bypass for Macroom have been delayed indefinitely as they are not Transport 21 priorities. Cork does not deserve this.”

The proposed rail system would see a line connecting Ballincollig to Mahon via Cork city centre. A spur line from Bishopstown incorporating the CIT and Cork University Hospital would join with this line.

A second phase could see a light rail system being extended to Passage West and development of light rail for the Northside of the city.

“We have already seen the huge success of the Luas in Dublin and we believe Cork should see the next roll-out of this excellent public transport system,” said Green Party TD Dan Boyle.

A Cork Harbour water bus service, similar to those in other European cities such as Amsterdam and Paris, was also proposed.

The proposed service could run from the lower harbour to the City's main street and back again, servicing Ringaskiddy, Rochestown, Cobh and Mahon.

“The environmentally friendly public transport system will also act to facilitate tourism in the area as well as providing a sustainable, workable and dedicated service in Cork,” said Green Party Cork North-Central candidate Cllr Chris O'Leary.

Dan Boyle also stressed the Green Party's commitment to doubling bus services in the Greater Cork area.

“The Government's recent provision of funding for 30 new buses for city bus services included 19 buses provided solely for replacement purposes,” he said.

“We need the same number of new buses again to improve the capacity of the service.”