4.2km Luas extension on the right track

CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on a new spur of the Luas, which will bring tracks through west Tallaght and further down the N7.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen oversaw the signing of contracts for the 4.2km route from Cookstown to Saggart village.

The Taoiseach said he remained committed to funding transport projects, promised in the National Development Plan, despite a €300 million reduction in the amount of money available for it. The Taoiseach said money would be saved because costs are lower.

“While last week’s announcement did include a cut in capital investment in the order of €300m, this will be achieved through lower project costs which will now be achieved. We envisage no change in the output achieved for our investment. The fall in construction prices will help to maximise the returns on capital investment and ensure much better value for money,” he said.

At the weekend Mr Cowen said some aspects of the NDP would have to be shelved but yesterday he said the investment in infrastructure would still stand at 5% of GDP in 2009.

The latest Luas project will go ahead without significant investment from the state because it has been backed by €45m worth of investment from property developers whose land values will benefit from the spur. The unique public-private partnership will see the Railway Procurement Agency and South Dublin County Council team up with three separate developers: Jim Mansfield, Harcourt Developments and the Davy Hickey group.

The development will connect the city centre with Saggart and the Citywest industrial estate and be ready for passengers in 2011.

For people driving from the south of the country it will also provide a new park-and-ride facility on the Limerick side of the Newlands Cross junction.

The proposal has been on the table for more than four years and goes ahead despite houses prices falling significantly along the outer rim of Dublin.

A number of developments yesterday brought some stability to an area where the property crisis had fostered a disproportionate level of uncertainty.

Along with Luas work, South Dublin County Council last night adopted a local area plan for a large section of land alongside the new Luas line, which will provide a local centre and school in Citywest.

County mayor Marie Corr (Labour) said the additional measures will be a “tremendous boost” for Tallaght and its environs.

Earlier this year county councillors were forced to row back from a lucrative rezoning decision granted to Jim Mansfield’s HSS Ltd, after they faced legal action from Place Properties.

However, both Mr Mansfield and Davy Hickey’s Place Properties are part of the team now funding the Luas extension.