Fri, 12 Jun, 2026 - 07:05

Luas bridge would end tall ships and maritime festivals in Cork city, says Cruise Europe boss

The Cork-based ambassador of the largest cruise port network in northern Europe said if the proposed bridge is built, no vessels at all will be able to access the quays west of the old Odlums building.

Michael McCarthy opposes the planned bridge across the river for the Cork Luas. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

The ormer Port of Cork commercial manager has said Cork can say goodbye to any more city centre maritime festivals if the planned Luas bridge goes ahead.

The city will never again see a naval vessel, cruise liner or tall ship docks on its quaysides, the Cruise Europe ambassador Michael McCarthy told The Echo, adding that it will make the city’s motto ‘A Safe Harbour for Ships’ redundant.

The Cork-based ambassador of the largest cruise port network in northern Europe added that, if a fixed bridge connecting Kent Station to Kennedy Quay is built, no vessels at all will be able to access the quays west of the old Odlums building.

“The bridge will come across from Kent Station and reach Kennedy Quay by the old Odlums building, and nothing will get past that bridge, no yachts, motorboats, ribs, rowing boats, nothing,” he said.

“You’ll never again see a tall ship, a cruise ship, any type of ship, you’ll never again get any substantial size ship into the city ever again.” 

He said the city will never again be able to have maritime festivals, because the bridge will be at the same level as the other city bridges.

“Our city motto is Statio Bene Fida Carinis, ‘A Safe Harbour for Ships’, but we will never be able to claim that again if this bridge goes ahead, and the shame of it is that there are better options available,” said Mr McCarthy.

He suggested that an alternative Luas route would see the light rail instead crossing the river at the Michael Collins Bridge and the Éamon de Valera Bridge “or an extension beside them” and linking Kent Station with the bus station.

Separately, two sports clubs on the western side of the planned route have each renewed their calls for submissions to the public consultation before today’s deadline.

Bishopstown GAA Club and Highfield RFC have both said they are in favour of Luas Cork but have vowed to oppose the preferred route cutting through their respective sporting grounds.

Highfield said it was facing an “existential threat”, while Bishopstown GAA said it would fight the preferred route “to the very end”.

The deadline for submissions to luascork.ie is 5.30pm, today, Friday, June 12

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Thanks all,

Stacy

It's that time again, where the grass, plants and all variety of creepers are taking over our sites. We'll bring both of our club strimmers, please bring any helpful gardening equipment you have  - strimmers, loppers, rakes, diggers etc - but most importantly, bring yourselves! We need to work on both sites as well as the path between the two so there is lots to be done.

Thanks a million and we'll see you there!

Stacy, NC Chairperson

In the meantime be aware that extra caution will be required on the pontoon, especially not to overload the pontoon by gathering too many people, or also be extra vigilant of the wash of passing boats trying to open up this break in the pontoon blocks

Unfortunately I will miss the fun regatta on Sunday so will have to be serious!
Sinead ? Can you do serious 😂 

Mairead 

The fun regatta with the Currachs and Skiffs is being held on the Saturday. 

A long distance Regatta is being held on the Sunday, involving Currachs only. Hope this helps. 

The best. John 

Can you clarify if it’s sat or Sun.

There is a post on fb currach rowing Ireland stating it’s Sunday 14th

im busy sat 13th so interested to know. 

mairead 

The Skerries 3 Island Challenge is being held on Saturday the 20th of June.

Registration is at 1.00 and crews must bring their own boat. This promises to be another great day out for any members who are interested in travelling. Infact our club members have participated in the past. For further information please contact Shane on 086 8156601 or look online for their FB page.

For those interested, could a club member take the lead in organising the travel arrangements.

The very best. John M.

Just to let you know that The West Clare Currach Club in conjunction with The Clare Skiffs Club are holding a fun regatta involving both Currachs and Skiffs in Querrin Co. Clare next Saturday the 13th.

Registration is at 12.30 with the first race at 1.30. All crews are mixed and drawn from a hat. If people would like to stay overnight on the Saturday or for further enquiries please Kevin Heapes on 086 8202181.

Could someone please take the lead in organising any travel plans for members interested in travelling.

The best.  John M