Chapter 4 I Transport and Mobility
4.60 Following detailed analysis of projected travel demand within the CMA, CMATS has determined that the East-West Transit Corridor is best served through the provision of a new Light Rail Transit (LRT) tram system. 4.61 This analysis marks a significant change from previous strategies that provided for a lower capacity Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system. 4.62 It is anticipated that approximately 25 stations will be required to serve the route between Ballincollig and Mahon Point, providing an estimated total journey time of 47 minutes. These stations will serve a catchment area of all existing and proposed key adjoining development areas along the corridor and provide interchange with InterCity and suburban rail services at Kent station plus the proposed BusConnects service. 4.63 To reflect the more ambitious growth targets of the NPF and the requirement to future-proof such a route up to and beyond, the 2040 horizon year, the LRT will be preceded by a high-frequency bus service between Mahon and Ballincollig. This will be delivered in the short-term to underpin higher development densities along the corridor including the regeneration of the Docklands. The provision of LRT system will be a focal point to enable the growth of population, employment health and education uses as envisaged by the NPF 2040 and will underpin compact growth.
In advance of the development of the LRT, and to allow the development consolidation to support its delivery, the selected route will be served with a high frequency bus service with bus priority measures to enable a high level of performance in advance of its transition to light rail. The manner in which services are configured in the area corresponding to the LRT corridor, within the Development Plan period and beyond, is expected to be determined through the BusConnects network redesign process. 4.64 The LRT system is a key enabler for development of the City as it will. • Unlock strategic development areas in its catchment area including: the Cork City Docks, Curraheen, Ballincollig and Mahon; • Maximise the development potential of windfall sites; • Provide greater certainty for future planning and development, to pursue higher densities required to meet NPF population and employment targets for Cork City; • Underpin the planned expansion of University College Cork (UCC), Munster Technological University (MTU) and Cork University Hospital (CUH); • Enable car-free and low car development within its catchment in line with recent changes to government policy outlined in the NPF and Sustainable Apartment guidelines; • Reduce reliance on the N40 in particular, for short trips within the Metropolitan Area.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028 I Volume 1
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