Plans for the project will see the Luas network extended northwards by 4km from Broombridge to the Finglas area. New stops will be set up at St Helena’s, Finglas village, St Margaret’s Road and Charlestown near the M50.
With estimated journey times of around 13 minutes between Charlestown and Broombridge, and 30 minutes between Charlestown and Trinity College, the project will reduce journey times to and from the city centre by 15 minutes at peak times, when compared with travel by a private car.
The extension is set to enter the planning system before Christmas and if the project is “accelerated” it could be operational by 2031, subject to planning and funding.
The Department of Transport has said the Finglas extension will serve a population of around 56,000 people by 2035.
“The Government’s approval of the Luas Finglas project today forms part of our commitment to significantly invest in public transport and decarbonise Ireland’s transport system,” Mr Ryan said.
“Since it started 20 years ago, the Luas tram system has been a public transport success story for Dublin’s citizens and visitors.
“We can look forward to the Luas extending to Finglas along a green track line that will open up lands for more transport orientated housing development along the way, which we really need.
“The Luas Finglas project will bring reliable, high-frequency and sustainable transport to well-established and new communities, allowing people to access opportunities for employment, education, healthcare and other services.
“I am delighted that the Government’s approval today starts that journey.”
As well as the extension to the Luas line, the project is also set to provide improvements for walking and cycling networks in the area and a 350-vehicle park and ride facility near the St Margaret’s Road stop.
The Finglas Luas will provide an additional 1.3m low-carbon public transport trips in 2035 with that figure rising to 1.8m by 2050, according to the Department of Transport.
“It is very positive to see progress on Luas Finglas, a project that was identified as a key priority in our GDA Transport Strategy, 2022-42,” National Transport Authority (NTA) CEO Anne Graham said.
“I believe that an ambitious and exciting project like this has the potential to be transformative for this part of the city and that it will further enhance the area for people who live here, work here, or want to run a business here.”
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) CEO Peter Walsh said: “The Government’s decision to allow TII to seek planning approval for the 4km extension of the Luas system is a very appropriate 20th Birthday present for the Luas system.
“The 20 years of Luas in Dublin has enabled delivery of compact growth in parts of the city such as the IFSC, City West, Cherrywood and Sandyford. Luas provides zero-emission sustainable mobility and contributes to Climate Action by attracting people out of their cars.
“All at TII look forward to delivering more Luas services for Dublin and other cities in Ireland.”
