IRELAND: National planning body An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted a Railway Order giving planning approval for the Finglas extension of the Dublin Luas tram network, which will now progress towards procurement and construction.
Luas Finglas extension route
The extension would start at the existing Green Line terminus at Broombridge and run for 3·9 km mostly off-road and segregated from road traffic to a new terminus at Charlestown, with intermediate stops at St Helena’s, Finglas Village and St Margaret’s Road where a 350-vehicle park and ride facility is to be provided. There will be interchanges with Broombridge station on the planned DART+ West line, as well as bus services.
There will initially be eight trams/direction/h, with a journey time from Charlestown to College Green in the city centre of approximately 30 min.
Project delivery
Luas Finglas is being delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland on behalf of the National Transport Authority, with funding provided by the Department of Transport. It is one of four Luas tram extensions identified in the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-42.
TII said it will now review the Railway Order in detail and then provide an update on the project timeline.
CEO Lorcan O’Connor said ‘TII has a strong record in delivering light rail projects on time, within budget and with passenger numbers far exceeding projections’.
Fast, reliable, sustainable
The extension is part of the National Development Plan, and obtaining planning approval ‘is a major milestone in expanding Dublin’s public transport network’, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said on October 30.
‘Luas Finglas will offer thousands of Dubliners a fast, reliable, sustainable way to get around the city, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The additional cycle and pedestrian facilities involved in the project will offer even more sustainable and active transport options. By reducing journey times, the project will also support the development of housing and businesses along the route.
’Luas Finglas will bring great benefits to the local community as well as to Dublin as a whole.’
