Plans to link Luas lines finalised

Planning permission is to be sought for a Luas line linking the existing Sandyford and Tallaght lines in Dublin.

An application for a new line running from St Stephen’s Green to Broombridge is to be lodged with An Bord Pleanala by the Railway Procurement Agency.

The forecast journey time between the Green line terminus and the Broombridge station is expected to be approximately 24 minutes, with 20 trams serving each direction per hour during peak periods.

The BX line is planned to run from St Stephen’s Green to O’Connell Street via College Green before doubling back and travelling along Marlborough Street across a specially constructed bridge over the River Liffey to Hawkins Street.

Stops along this line will be located at Dawson Street, Westmoreland Street, O’ Connell Street, Marlborough Street and College Street.

Using the BX line, members of the public will be able to transfer between the Sandyford and Tallaght lines at Middle Abbey Street.

The BX line would also form part of Line D which will run from O’Connell Street to Broombridge via Broadstone and Grangegorman. Stops along Line D include Parnell Street, Dominick Street Lower and Broadstone.

At Broombridge the Luas line will interchange with Iarnrod Éireann’s Maynooth railway line services.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce has said the city centre would face an eight year construction period if the Luas Metro North and Dart projects are not properly integrated.

Chief executive Gina Quin said it was critical that construction works are managed effectively so that the projects are delivered together as quickly as possible, while still ensuring the city remains fully open for business.

“The benefits of these major transport projects are clear," she said. "They will transform the way in which people move around and through Dublin, but we need to be sure that construction is controlled from day one so that it is still easy for residents, commuters, shoppers and tourists to get into and around the city centre in particular."

Irish Times

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