Luas extension application marks start of transport overhaul

Ireland’s new €34.4bn transport plan got underway tonight, with an application for the first Luas extension submitted to the Government.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said he had received a Railway Order application from Padraic White, chairman of the Rail Procurement Agency, for an extension of the Luas network from Sandyford to Cherrywood.

Mr Cullen said it meant the first of seven new Luas projects had started the necessary statutory process required, which will include a public consultation and inquiry before a decision is reached by the Transport Minister.

“Without in any way prejudging the outcome, I very much welcome the fact that the RPA has been so pro-active in advancing the Luas extension to Cherrywood.

“It augurs well for the speedy and effective implementation of Transport 21,” Mr Cullen said.

But there is still controversy over the plan, with the Green Party calling for the Cherrywood line to be built to a Metro standard.

Green Party Transport spokesperson Eamon Ryan TD said: “I welcome the application for a railway order for the Luas line extension from Sandyford to Cherrywood, which will provide a much needed and long delayed service for the people of Ballyogan, Stepaside and Carrickmines.

“However the Green Party wants this railway order process to consider the extension of the proposed Metro from Swords to link to the south side of the city.”

Mr Ryan said it made no sense to stop the Metro at St Stephen’s Green, where a terminal would require four platforms, instead of the two needed for a through station.

He also said connecting the Metro to the southside would provide much-needed increased capacity and the costs of upgrading the existing line would be minimal compared to the benefits of a north-south link.

Under the Green Party plan the Metro would share the Luas track from Cherrywood to the city centre, but would head down on an underground spar shortly before Ranelagh, while trams would travel on to St Stephen’s Green and then north on the planned extension.