Transport Infrastructure Ireland's (TII) Luas Cork team has received a Highly Commended award in the Team of the Year category at the prestigious Global Light Rail Awards, recognising the team's exceptional work in progressing one of Ireland's most significant public transport projects. 

The Team of the Year category attracted a large number of entries from across the international light rail sector, with just 13 teams shortlisted. The Luas Cork team was one of only three teams recognised by the judges, receiving a Highly Commended award for its collaborative and innovative approach to delivering the project. 

The recognition acknowledges the multidisciplinary team that successfully progressed Luas Cork from Emerging Preferred Route to Preferred Route within a 12-month period, helping transform a long-held ambition for Cork into a credible and deliverable transport project. 

Speaking following the awards ceremony, Fergus Meehan, Head of Light Rail Cork, Regional Cities & GDA, TII, said: 

"We are delighted that the Luas Cork team has been recognised at the Global Light Rail Awards. Receiving a Highly Commended award in such a competitive international category is a testament to the professionalism, expertise and dedication of the entire project team. This recognition reflects the commitment shown by colleagues across TII, our project partners Jacobs and the many stakeholders who have contributed to the project's development." 

The project team has brought together expertise across project management, engineering, architecture, urban design, environmental assessment, stakeholder engagement, communications and commercial management to progress the proposed light rail system for Cork. 

Luas Cork will form the backbone of Cork's future public transport network, connecting key employment centres, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and regeneration areas across the city. The project is designed to support sustainable growth, improve accessibility and provide the high-capacity public transport needed to meet Cork's future transport demands. 

TII's experience from the development and operation of Luas in Dublin demonstrates how high-capacity public transport can act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth by improving accessibility, supporting compact development and influencing investment decisions. While Cork has its own unique characteristics and opportunities, that experience provides a strong evidence base for how strategic transport investment can support the city's future growth, competitiveness and quality of life. 

The international recognition reinforces the significant progress made by the Luas Cork team and highlights the growing momentum behind a project that has the potential to transform mobility across Cork for generations to come.

 

Pictured at the Global Light Rail Awards are members of the Luas Cork project team: Niall Quinn, Design Manager Luas Cork; Sarah O'Donnell, Project Manager Luas Cork; Fergus Meehan, Head of Light Rail Cork, Regional Cities & GDA, TII; and Eamon Scullion, Project Manager, Jacobs.