Brennan labels Luas an undoubted success

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has predicted that the Dublin light railway system Luas will be an undoubted success.

He was speaking at the during a visit to Dundrum to inspect the first of the "live" safety and engineering tests of Luas trams on the Sandyford-Beechwood (Dunville Avenue) section of the Sandyford to St Stephen's Green line.

"Today, I have no hesitation in predicting that the Luas will be an undoubted success," he said.

"It will be enormously beneficial in meeting commuter needs and in reducing the number of cars coming into Dublin city.

"The modern trams and efficient system will also further enhance Dublin's reputation as one of Europe's most progressive and cosmopolitan cities," he concluded.

The nine-kilometre Sandyford to St Stephen's Green line is due to open in June.

It will include 13 stops en route to allow a full service for commuters.

The journey by Luas from Sandyford to St Stephen's Green will take 22 minutes.

At peak times there will be a tram every five minutes in both directions. Each 40-metre tram has a capacity of 310 people.