For almost 100 years (founded in 1930) Highfield has been the cornerstone of rugby on the western suburb of Cork City and we wish this to continue well into the future.
Save Highfield RFC: Protect Our Future
Cork Luas Route Visualisation
Whilst we are very much in favour of the Luas concept for Cork and we recognise the benefits it will bring to the City, we believe that it must be built in a way that does not negatively impact our Club which is of immense societal value to the greater Bishopstown area and beyond.
Highfield RFC is facing an existential threat. The current “Preferred Route” for the Luas Cork project, as proposed by the TII, doesn’t just graze our boundaries—it cuts through the very heart of our club.
For almost a century, Highfield has been a cornerstone of the Bishopstown community. Now, we face a future where our ability to provide rugby for all ages is at risk of being permanently derailed.
The Impact: More Than Just a Track
The proposed route will effectively decimate our facilities through:
Loss of Playing Space
Our 2nd and 3rd pitches will be rendered virtually redundant. Access to these areas would require crossing a high-frequency twin-track Luas line, creating a physical and logistical barrier.
Health & Safety
Requiring our large group of under age players to cross the twin-track Luas lines and walking and cycles lanes will come with huge safety implications that may result in the termination of our underage offering. Also, the continuous noise generated by the Luas trams will be an ongoing distraction to players, coaches, spectators etc. and will detract from the enjoyment of all games.
Safety & Emergency Access
The proposal raises critical Health and Safety concerns, including restricted ambulance access to our remaining playing areas.
Infrastructure & Security
A significant portion of our lower car park will be eliminated, compromising club security and removing a vital revenue stream currently generated through our leasing arrangement with Cork University Hospital.
Community Ties
Our long-standing reciprocal pitch agreement with Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh will be severely disrupted, further limiting our capacity for matches and training.
We Need Your Voice – Before June 12th
The Cork Luas Project is currently open for Public Consultation. This is our window to protect our grounds. It is incumbent on every member, friend, family member, and neighbour to make our collective voice heard.
Our message is clear: We support public transport, but it cannot come at the cost of destroying a vital community sports institution.
How You Can Help
Whilst we intend to make strong representations and submissions about the existential threat that this current “Preferred Route” will have on Highfield RFC, we will undertake all of our engagements in a professional and respectful manner.
We would ask each of you, our players, members and friends, to voice your concerns between now and the closing date for submissions on Friday, June 12th, 2026.
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Latest Updates
Since the conclusion of the public briefings the Highfield Luas Committee have been actively engaging with community groups, including Bishopstown GAA, TD's and Local Representatives to communicate the gravity of the situation for our club should this Preferred Route become a reality. We also, thanks to Cllr. Terry Coleman, had an opportunity to brief Taoiseach, Mícheal Martin in person in what both an informative and worthwhile conversation. We will continue to engage with the wider community and politicians of all hues until a final decision is made on the actual route for Luas Cork which we believe will be in about 18-months time. The next major milestone is the Closing Date for Submissions which is at 5pm on Friday, June 12th next and we are encouraging anyone with an interest in the continuation of Highfield RFC at Woodleigh Park to make an independent submission at this address: https://consult.tii.ie/register?next=/luas-cork-nspc2
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Making a Submission
Once you register to make a submission you should be invited to upload your actual submission and we would ask that each person doing so would make write a personal submission outlining how you feel the Cork Luas project will impact Highfield RFC and what the loss of the rugby club would mean to you, and to the wider community. We would ask that you send a copy of your submission to the Highfield Luas Committee so that we can gauge the level of response and consider the cogent arguments being made. Please send a copy of your submission by email to highfieldrfcnews@gmail.com.
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Social Media
Amplify your views / concerns in a respectful way on your social media channels using the hashtags #LuasCork and #HighfieldRFC. Share our concerns on social media, in community groups, and with local representatives.
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Spread the Word
Ask your extended family and friends to support you in spreading the message as widely as possible.
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Public Representatives
Contact your local and national public representatives to let them know of the negative impact that the Luas Cork Preferred Route will have on our Club.
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Stay Informed
This webpage is intended to be the go-to page for updates that pertain to Highfield RFC. We will update you on discussions held, views expressed and actions to be taken that would help our cause. Please check back here regularly.
Take the Poll
To help us understand and measure how you, our members, feel about the proposed Cork Luas project and its impact on Highfield RFC, we would appreciate it if you would please complete this poll: