Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) today welcomed the grant of a Railway Order (planning permission) by An Coimisiún Pleanála for Luas Finglas. The Railway Order application was submitted on 15th November 2024.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the decision, highlighting its significance for sustainable growth and improved connectivity in north Dublin: “This is a major milestone in expanding Dublin’s public transport network. 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.”
Interim Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority (NTA) Hugh Creegan said; “It’s very positive to reach this milestone on Luas Finglas, a project that was identified as a key priority in our GDA Transport Strategy, 2022-42. This decision allows the delivery of this important project which will extend the reach of the Luas system and provide new transport options for many thousands of people.”
TII Chief Executive Officer Lorcan O’Connor thanked An Coimisiún Pleanála for the timely decision. He said “A lot of hard work went into developing this major public transport project. TII has a strong record in delivering light rail projects on time, within budget and with passenger numbers far exceeding projections. We’re expanding our team now to ensure we’re fully equipped to deliver its construction.”
Luas Finglas will extend the existing Luas tram network northwards by almost 4km from Broombridge to the Finglas area, with stops at St Helena’s, Finglas Village, St Margaret’s Road, and Charlestown near the M50. The route will provide interchanges with Broombridge train station which is on the planned DART+ West line, as well as bus services.
Mr O’Connor emphasised the housing, educational and employment opportunities that come with high quality, reliable public transport. “Over 20 highly successful years in Dublin, Luas has proven economic and social regeneration benefits for the communities it serves”.
Luas Finglas is being delivered by TII on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA). Funding for the project is provided by Department of Transport through the NTA. It is one of four Luas tram extensions identified in the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042.
The Luas Finglas team at TII will review the Railway Order in detail and then provide an update on timeline for the next steps.
Luas Finglas will create a new high-capacity, frequent, fast public transport connection for communities in the Finglas area, shortening journey times to/from Dublin city centre to approximately 30 minutes or less and providing for connections to other destinations. The project will unlock housing supply close to the route, in support of the government’s goals for transport orientated development and the transition to a zero-carbon transport system.
The tram route is mostly off-road and segregated from road traffic. As well as the tram line, the project will provide for improvements to the walking and cycling network in the area, taking account of the NTA Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan.
In total, as part of Luas Finglas, approximately 1.2km of segregated two-way cycle track and approximately 1.8km of segregated and protected one-way cycle track is provided.
In addition, a 350-vehicle park and ride facility is to be provided near the St Margaret’s Road stop. Overall, Luas Finglas is anticipated to generate an additional 1.3 million low-carbon public transport trips in 2035, increasing to 1.8 million in 2050.
Luas has been a huge success story for Dublin over the past 20 years, carrying 54 million passengers last year.
