Cork Luas progress welcome, but communities must be heard – Harmon
Cork Luas progress welcome, but communities must be heard – Harmon - The Labour Party
- Consultation cannot be a box-ticking exercise by Government
- Clear timeline needed, work must begin urgently
Labour’s Senator Laura Harmon has described the Cork Luas as an important step forward for the city, while stressing that meaningful public consultation and clear delivery timelines must now follow.
Senator Harmon said:
“Progress on the Cork Luas is welcome, but it has been a long time coming. Cork has waited years for a modern light rail system, and people now want to see real momentum and delivery. It was confirmed to me at the launch of the preferred route that 350 of properties will be affected and approximately seven CPOs may be required if the route proceeds as planned. Every effort must now be made to minimise impacts on homes, sports clubs and businesses in the final design.”
Senator Harmon said the publication of the preferred route marks real progress for Cork’s transport system, but warned that public confidence will depend on transparency, accountability and ensuring communities are fully heard.
“Residents must not feel this is being done to them. It must be shaped with them.
“With public consultation now open, I am encouraging people across Cork to take part and make a submission before the deadline of 12 June. The voices of those living and working along the route must directly influence the final design.”
Residents’ voices must shape the outcome
Senator Harmon highlighted concerns raised in recent weeks, including impacts on homes, schools, healthcare access and local businesses.
“We are already hearing genuine concerns from communities, particularly in Bishopstown, Wilton, Ballintemple, Blackrock, Mahon, Ballincollig and along key city centre routes. These issues affect people’s daily lives.
“The consultation must be meaningful, not a box-ticking exercise. That means clear information, open engagement and real changes where concerns are justified.”
Need for clarity on delivery timeline
While welcoming the ambition of the project, Senator Harmon expressed concern at the lack of a clear delivery timeline.
“Cork has heard major transport commitments before. People now want certainty.
“We need clarity on when construction will begin, what the key milestones are and how delays will be avoided. Without that, public confidence will be undermined.”
Labour calls for construction to begin by 2030
Senator Harmon confirmed that the Labour Party is calling for a clear and ambitious delivery target.
“Labour is clear. Construction must begin by 2030 at the latest.
“This is achievable if Government prioritises the project, secures funding and maintains consistent progress.
“With Cork’s population set to grow significantly, further delays are not an option. This project is essential for housing delivery, climate action and the future development of the city.”
A major opportunity for Cork
Senator Harmon concluded by emphasising the importance of public participation and the need to consider wider connectivity, including the airport and areas such as Carrigaline.
“This is a major opportunity to transform how people move around Cork.
“I would strongly encourage everyone to engage with the consultation process and make their views known before 12 June. This is your chance to shape the future of transport in our city.”