Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has confirmed that cabinet has today granted approval for the extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas.
The project would extend the existing Luas tram network northwards by 4km from Broombridge to the Finglas area, with new stops at St Helena’s, Finglas Village, St Margaret’s Road, and Charlestown near the M50.
A 350-vehicle park and ride facility is also to be provided near the St Margaret’s Road stop.
An application for the Luas Finglas project is set to be with An Bord Pleanála before Christmas, and the project, if accelerated, could be operational by 2031, subject to planning and funding.
Managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), the project is one of four Luas tram extensions outlined in the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042.
The Department of Transport claims that the Finglas Luas will generate 1.3 million low-carbon public transport trips in 2035, increasing to 1.8 million in 2050.
The extension of the Luas Green Line from Broombridge terminus would serve an estimated population of 56,000 people by 2035, according to the Department.
Minister Ryan said that the approval of the Finglas Luas extension comes as part of a commitment to “significantly invest in public transport and decarbonise Ireland’s transport system”.
“Since it started 20 years ago, the Luas tram system has been a public transport success story for Dublin’s citizens and visitors. We can look forward to the Luas extending to Finglas along a green track line that will open up lands for more transport orientated housing development along the way, which we really need,” he said.
“The Luas Finglas project will bring reliable, high-frequency and sustainable transport to well-established and new communities, allowing people to access opportunities for employment, education, healthcare and other services.
“I am delighted that the Government’s approval today starts that journey.”
CEO of the NTA, Anne Graham said that an “ambitious and exciting project” like this has the potential to “be transformative for this part of the city and that it will further enhance the area for people who live here, work here, or want to run a business here”.
In addition, Transport Infrastructure Ireland CEO, Peter Walsh said the Government’s decision to allow TII to seek planning approval for the extension “is a very appropriate 20th Birthday present for the Luas system”.
“The 20 years of Luas in Dublin has enabled delivery of compact growth in parts of the city such as the IFSC, City West, Cherrywood and Sandyford. Luas provides zero-emission sustainable mobility and contributes to Climate Action by attracting people out of their cars. All at TII look forward to delivering more Luas services for Dublin and other cities in Ireland,” Mr Walsh said.