Over €4 billion in funding announced for Cork transport projects
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Insert: Cork Area Commuter Rail mapImage 2 of 3
Insert: Former county mayor Cllr Joe Carroll, former lord mayor Cllr Dan Boyle Lord Mayor, AJ Cronin Delivery Manager Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, Valerie O’Sullivan Cheif Executive of Cork City Council and Jerry Buttimer TD Minister of State at the Department of Transport earlier this year as public consultation began on Phase 2 of largest ever investment in Cork rail network including 8 new stations. Photo: Paul Sharp/SHARPPIXImage 3 of 3
The Cork City Northern Transport project will provide improved regional accessibility and connectivity around Cork city, including to Ringaskiddy Port and Cork Airport and enhance the mobility of people and goods throughout the urban area of Cork city. Photo: ccntp.ieSteven Fox
A number of infrastructure projects in Cork city and county are set to receive a significant injection of funding, following the announcement of over €24 billion in funding for projects nationwide.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, which forms part of the recent National Development Plan review, has allocated funds for a number of key strategic areas, such as public transport, road infrastructure, active travel and greenways, and digital innovation.
Approximately €4.5 billion is set to make its way south.
The Cork Area Commuter Rail – or Luas Cork – the M28 Cork-Ringaskiddy motorway, and the M20 Cork-Limerick route are all set to receive investment as part of the plan.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said that the projects were “not just about building infrastructure – it is about shaping the kind of transport system we want, delivering sustainable and accessible options to connect us all”. The reaction from stakeholders in Cork has been broadly positive.
Cork Chamber of Commerce CEO Conor Healy said that the funding reflects a “real and tangible process in Cork. Most significantly the inclusion of more than €1 billion for the development of Cork Area Commuter Rail.”
“The progression of Luas Cork towards a Railway Order application represents an important step in bringing high-capacity light rail closer to delivery,” he said.
Conor Healy also called for measures such as direct Cork-Belfast flights to be considered, as part of the Shared Island funding which he said would “significantly enhance all-island business, tourism, and investment linkages and should form part of future Shared Island aviation priorities”.
He also praised the work of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, formed by Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers in May of this year.
“Ambitious plans are important but implementation at pace is essential.
“Businesses and communities need confidence that Cork’s rail, light rail, bus and road projects will move quickly from planning to delivery. Certainty of timelines is every bit as important as the scale of investment,” he said.