Public consultation begins on Luas extension

A PUBLIC consultation on a planned 3.2-kilometre extension of the Luas to Citywest was launched yesterday.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen unveiled plans for the 3.2km route, which will branch off the existing Tallaght Red Line at Cookstown.

The new line will run through Cairnwood, Ambervale, Belgard, Fettercairn, Kilmartin, Cheeverstown, Brookfield, Ardmore and the Citywest Business Campus, terminating at Fortunestown Lane.

Mr Cullen said the line would help sustain investment and jobs in the area.

“A new public transport service will be on offer to new communities with developers contributing to the cost.

“This means savings for taxpayers, not only in construction costs but significantly, in land costs too,” the minister said.

“The Citywest area and communities like Fettercairn and Cheeverstown haveseen real expansion in recent years. With a growing population comes growingtransport needs - needs that Luas Citywest will help meet.”

It is hoped the Citywest link will add up to 3.5 million passengers to the Luas network.

Park and Ride facilities have also been planned for Cheeverstown, offeringLuas options for motorists currently using the N7 Naas Road and N71 Blessington Road.

The project will be run on public private partnership basis involving the Railway Procurement Agency, South Dublin County Council and local developers.

The public consultation runs until April.