Taoiseach Micheál Martin has launched the Emerging Preferred Route for Luas Cork at Cork City Hall.

The current proposed route is an 18km light rail line, with 25 stops between its start in Ballincollig and its end at Mahon Point.

Notable stops include Munster Technological University, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cork city centre and Kent Station.

The plan also features a park-and-ride facility in Ballincollig, a public transport bridge across the River Lee, new cycling infrastructure and a transport hub in Mahon.

Proposed Luas Cork stations

Public consultation on the project is now open and will remain available until June 9.

Speaking at the proposal's launch in Cork City Hall, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Luas project is a "significant step" and will be "transformational" for the city.

"Luas Cork will hugely improve connectivity in the city by modernising the city's public transport network, making it more accessible and creating new opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses," Martin said.

"With the consultation process now open, I'd encourage everybody to take this opportunity to provide their feedback and share their views on this exciting proposal," he added.

Luas Cork is part of a broader EU initiative to create 100 climate-neutral cities across Europe by 2030.

More information about Luas Cork, as well as the consultation portal, can be found here.