Ballincollig to Munster Technological University

The proposed Preferred Route starts in Ballincollig. In a change from the EPR it begins at the Carriganarra Road/Station Road junction in a single-track loop running on to Castle Road, Flynn’s Road, Ballincollig Main Street (Main Road/ Carrigrohane Road) before turning southwards onto Station Road. Here the loop is complete, and the line continues eastwards in a more typical double-track arrangement.

The  tram is largely segregated from general traffic through Ballincollig, but shares with southbound traffic on Station Road. Beech Park/Barley Grove will be accessible to general traffic from Main Street and from Carriganarra Road but there will be no northbound through-traffic. Some diversion of traffic onto Old Fort Road will help reduce traffic congestion in the village.

Once back on Carriganarra Road, at the bottom of Station Road, the tram travels eastbound on a twin track arrangement across the N22 towards MTU. As per the Emerging Preferred Route (EPR), there is a proposed 1,000 vehicle Park and Ride and Depot facility in what is currently farmland, immediately to the east of the N22 and to the west of Clash Road. A parallel, two-way cycle-path from Ballincollig connects to the Curraheen Greenway at the Curraheen River end of this stretch of the route.

Munster Technological University to Wilton Road

The Preferred Route continues through Munster Technological University’s campus on Rossa Avenue. It continues southwards onto Melbourn Road and then turns eastwards and runs uphill past Bishopstown Community School, Ballinaspig Lawn, Bishopstown GAA, Highfield Rugby Club, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Saint Columba’s Convent and then through CUH campus.

Wilton Road to Washington Street

From CUH, the route travels along Bishopstown Road and Wilton Road towards Dennehy’s Cross and Victoria Cross, turning eastwards onto Western Road towards the city centre. In a change from the EPR, an additional stop is being provided at Victoria Cross to better serve residents and recreational and hospital facilities around the Carrigrohane junction with Victoria Cross. The University College Cork (UCC) stop is being moved closer to the main UCC gates at Donovan Road to improve accessibility to the campus.

Washington Street to Kennedy Quay

From Washington Street to Kent Station, the route remains unchanged from the EPR – proceeding through St Patrick’s Street, MacCurtain Street and Kent Station, with a tram stop at each of these locations. The stop at Kent Station will be integrated into the proposed public transport interchange at the rear of the station allowing intermodal transfer to commuter and intercity rail services, buses and cycling facilities. The detail of this stop will be subject to a multi-party design process to be carried out at the next stage.

The Preferred Route then travels southwards on a new public transport bridge over the River Lee from Horgan’s Quay to the south docklands. We have been engaging with representatives of the maritime community about the impact this new bridge will have on river activity and will continue to engage on this issue. We are also engaging with Cork City Council to ensure that the wider development of the docklands is designed in cooperation and as part of an integrated transport and development strategy for Cork Docklands.

Kennedy Quay to Páirc Uí Chaoimh

The route continues southwards before turning east on to Centre Park Road, where the tracks will be fully segregated from other traffic. An additional stop at Docklands accommodates the future development of 20,000 new homes and almost 25,000 jobs.

At the Centre Park Road/Marquee Road junction the line turns southwards before reaching Monahan Road, where it runs along the southern boundary of the newly developed Marina Park.The Páirc Uí Chaoimh stop has been relocated and refined to allow for better crowd circulation, segregation and to facilitate tram turnback.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh to Churchyard Lane

From Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the line runs southbound on Maryville, up the incline, to reach the junction with Blackrock Road, sharing with local access traffic for part of the route.

It continues uphill on Churchyard Lane sharing with southbound traffic as far as the Churchyard Lane/Boreenmanna Road junction, but segregated in a northbound direction. Existing on-street parking on Churchyard Lane will be relocated where possible - including within the Ashcroft Estate. Local traffic diversions will be put in place as part of a traffic management plan for the wider area.

Churchyard Lane to Mahon Point

From the Churchyard Lane/Boreenmanna Road junction, the line runs alongside the kerb, primarily segregated from general traffic and with staggered platforms (where the east and west bound platforms aren't opposite each other) at Beaumont Quarry and Cork Constitution. It then proceeds along Skehard Road and travels eastwards, with a stop located at the junction with Well Road. A staggered platform is provided in place of the previous Woodvale stop location, removing impacts to private driveways. The westbound Luas stop platform will be at Kilbrack Grove and the eastbound stop platform will be at Woodvale Road.

The Preferred Route then continues on Skehard Road, before turning southwards onto Mahon Link Road. A kerbside arrangement will share with buses as far as the terminus at Mahon Point.