Michael McDowell: When the Luas Green Line was first announced and planned, its route was right beside where I live. I welcomed the project then and still have good feelings about it. Those, like me, who live near it are entirely used to it, including peak-time noise levels which are certainly no louder than road traffic in an urban setting. I would have no objection either to its becoming a metro light rail – if that makes economic and social sense. Like many projects, the Luas Green Line has become a victim of its own success. The result of the cross-city Luas project has not yet been what most people expected. Its extension to Bride’s Glen and the failure to punctually provide extra extended-length tram sets for the line has resulted in Tokyo-like over-crowding for rush-hour commuters. The few longer tram sets delivered to date have now encountered technical problems and have been withdrawn so that those problems can been remedied.
Read the full article @ The Sunday Business Post
Showing posts with label luas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luas. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Luas journeys derailed by one million
THERE WERE nearly one million fewer passenger journeys completed on the Luas trams in Dublin in 2008 compared to the previous year.
According to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), there were 27.4 million passenger journeys completed in 2008 compared to 28.4 million in 2007.
The Green Luas line to Dundrum and Sandyford has remained steady with more than 12 million annual journeys served, but the Red Line out to Tallaght has seen a significant decrease in numbers, although it still completed 15 million journeys this year.
In spite of the current economic downturn, the agency has insisted the light rail system was performing well.
“The fast, reliable and comfortable service which the Luas has provided over the last five years has produced a loyal and consistent customer base which has become more discerning in getting the best value for money from the range of ticket options which are available,” said RPA chief executive Frank Allen.
There has been a 50 per cent growth in the proportion of journeys made by those taking advantage of the tax benefits of using monthly and annual tickets.
There has also been an increase in customers using Iarnróid Éireann/Luas integrated tickets, which are up by 15 per cent.
The majority of Luas users have switched from single cash transactions at the vending machines to period passes and off-system sales outlets.
There was also an increase of 28 per cent of those using the Luas Smartcard.
Mr Allen said that the performance was encouraging in very difficult economic circumstances where levels of economic activity had contracted significantly.
He also added that the new lines which are under construction in Docklands and out to Cherrywood in South County Dublin will bring the Luas experience to other communities in the coming years.
In spite of the decrease in numbers from 2008, the single-journey fares on both Red and Green lines will rise by 10 cent and return fares will go up by 20 cent. The increases will come into effect on Monday, January 5th.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
According to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), there were 27.4 million passenger journeys completed in 2008 compared to 28.4 million in 2007.
The Green Luas line to Dundrum and Sandyford has remained steady with more than 12 million annual journeys served, but the Red Line out to Tallaght has seen a significant decrease in numbers, although it still completed 15 million journeys this year.
In spite of the current economic downturn, the agency has insisted the light rail system was performing well.
“The fast, reliable and comfortable service which the Luas has provided over the last five years has produced a loyal and consistent customer base which has become more discerning in getting the best value for money from the range of ticket options which are available,” said RPA chief executive Frank Allen.
There has been a 50 per cent growth in the proportion of journeys made by those taking advantage of the tax benefits of using monthly and annual tickets.
There has also been an increase in customers using Iarnróid Éireann/Luas integrated tickets, which are up by 15 per cent.
The majority of Luas users have switched from single cash transactions at the vending machines to period passes and off-system sales outlets.
There was also an increase of 28 per cent of those using the Luas Smartcard.
Mr Allen said that the performance was encouraging in very difficult economic circumstances where levels of economic activity had contracted significantly.
He also added that the new lines which are under construction in Docklands and out to Cherrywood in South County Dublin will bring the Luas experience to other communities in the coming years.
In spite of the decrease in numbers from 2008, the single-journey fares on both Red and Green lines will rise by 10 cent and return fares will go up by 20 cent. The increases will come into effect on Monday, January 5th.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 10 October 2008
New Luas Route
The route of the planned new Luas through west Dublin was unveiled today with tram lines running from Trinity College in the city centre to Lucan.
Operators expect an extra 25 million commuters to use the growing network but it could be early 2011 before work begins.
Journey times are expected to be around 45 minutes on the 15km route.
A spokesman for the Railway Procurement Agency said: “We would expect that journey times would be similar to the Tallaght journey. We would expect around 45 minutes.”
No price tag has been put on the huge project but planners insisted they are aiming to minimise disruption in the city.
“We would have to speed up time spent building the lines, that would be our intention, and we have already done that with the Docklands,” the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) spokesman said.
“The man in the street might have felt we left areas unfinished during construction. We would certainly be more focused on limiting any disruption in all areas but particularly the likes of Thomas Street and Dean Street.”
The 15km Line F will start on College Green heading west along Dame Street to Christchurch before joining the existing Red Line at Fatima or St James’s Hospital.
Five stops later trams will continue west into Ballyfermot through Cherry Orchard and out of the city to Liffey Valley and a possible park and ride before stopping at Quarryvale, Castle Road, Griffeen Valley and the Newcastle Road.
It is also planned to build stops linking with the proposed Metro West and Metro North, rail and bus services.
Details on locations of stops have to be finalised in the coming months before a railway order is submitted in July 2010.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Operators expect an extra 25 million commuters to use the growing network but it could be early 2011 before work begins.
Journey times are expected to be around 45 minutes on the 15km route.
A spokesman for the Railway Procurement Agency said: “We would expect that journey times would be similar to the Tallaght journey. We would expect around 45 minutes.”
No price tag has been put on the huge project but planners insisted they are aiming to minimise disruption in the city.
“We would have to speed up time spent building the lines, that would be our intention, and we have already done that with the Docklands,” the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) spokesman said.
“The man in the street might have felt we left areas unfinished during construction. We would certainly be more focused on limiting any disruption in all areas but particularly the likes of Thomas Street and Dean Street.”
The 15km Line F will start on College Green heading west along Dame Street to Christchurch before joining the existing Red Line at Fatima or St James’s Hospital.
Five stops later trams will continue west into Ballyfermot through Cherry Orchard and out of the city to Liffey Valley and a possible park and ride before stopping at Quarryvale, Castle Road, Griffeen Valley and the Newcastle Road.
It is also planned to build stops linking with the proposed Metro West and Metro North, rail and bus services.
Details on locations of stops have to be finalised in the coming months before a railway order is submitted in July 2010.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Couple bring court case over Luas noise claims
A couple whose home in south Dublin is close to the Luas green line have claimed before the High Court they have been exposed to very serious and aggravating noise on a daily basis since the Luas went into operation four years ago.
Paula and Vincent Smyth, of Cambridge Terrace, Leeson Park, Dublin, have brought proceedings against the Railway Procurement Agency and Veolia Transport Ireland Ltd, who operate the Luas on behalf of the agency. The Attorney General is a notice party to the case.
The couple want injunctions restraining the defendants operating the Luas in a manner that causes a noise nuisance and requiring them to erect an appropriate barrier to reduce the noise. They are also seeking damages.
The defendants deny the claims, contend the Luas is being operated in accordance with the terms of the Transport Light Rail Acts of 1996 and 2001 and also plead that the operation of the Luas under those Acts cannot as a matter of law give rise to the nuisance alleged.
Opening the case before Ms Justice Mary Laffoy today, Seamus Woulfe SC, for the couple, said their enjoyment of their home has been “severely undermined and compromised” due to noise from the Luas since it began operating in July 2004.
He said the Smyth’s back garden was in close proximity to elevated sections of the Luas Line running between Sandyford and St Stephens Green.
During the planning stages of the Luas in the late 1990’s the Smyths, who have lived at Leeson Park since 1992, believed special noise reduction screens would be erected at certain sensitive locations where the light rail would pass, counsel said.
The Smyths, based on an undertaking by RPA, had a legitimate expectation measures would be put in place to reduce noise levels to within acceptable levels, he said.
However, the failure to install the noise reduction screen had exposed the Smyths to very serious and aggravating noise which totally disrupted their enjoyment of their home. A tram passed their home 330 times between 5.30am and 12.30am every weekday and 254 times daily at the weekend.
The Smyths were unable to enjoy their garden or hold a conversation when a tram passes due to the noise. The glass in the kitchen area vibrated when a Luas passed and it was impossible to entertain guests, counsel said.
The most significant problem was that they were unable to sleep properly at night or in the early morning, he added. Their bedroom faced onto the Luas embankment and they regularly had to sleep with the windows shut and with ear plugs.
A consultant engineer who measured the noise levels from the operation of the Luas found those levels within their home exceeded acceptable or guideline measurements for residential areas. Counsel also argued the defendants did not have an immunity under the Transport Acts from being sued in the matter.
The case is expected to last several days.
Irishtimes.com
www.buckplanning.ie
Paula and Vincent Smyth, of Cambridge Terrace, Leeson Park, Dublin, have brought proceedings against the Railway Procurement Agency and Veolia Transport Ireland Ltd, who operate the Luas on behalf of the agency. The Attorney General is a notice party to the case.
The couple want injunctions restraining the defendants operating the Luas in a manner that causes a noise nuisance and requiring them to erect an appropriate barrier to reduce the noise. They are also seeking damages.
The defendants deny the claims, contend the Luas is being operated in accordance with the terms of the Transport Light Rail Acts of 1996 and 2001 and also plead that the operation of the Luas under those Acts cannot as a matter of law give rise to the nuisance alleged.
Opening the case before Ms Justice Mary Laffoy today, Seamus Woulfe SC, for the couple, said their enjoyment of their home has been “severely undermined and compromised” due to noise from the Luas since it began operating in July 2004.
He said the Smyth’s back garden was in close proximity to elevated sections of the Luas Line running between Sandyford and St Stephens Green.
During the planning stages of the Luas in the late 1990’s the Smyths, who have lived at Leeson Park since 1992, believed special noise reduction screens would be erected at certain sensitive locations where the light rail would pass, counsel said.
The Smyths, based on an undertaking by RPA, had a legitimate expectation measures would be put in place to reduce noise levels to within acceptable levels, he said.
However, the failure to install the noise reduction screen had exposed the Smyths to very serious and aggravating noise which totally disrupted their enjoyment of their home. A tram passed their home 330 times between 5.30am and 12.30am every weekday and 254 times daily at the weekend.
The Smyths were unable to enjoy their garden or hold a conversation when a tram passes due to the noise. The glass in the kitchen area vibrated when a Luas passed and it was impossible to entertain guests, counsel said.
The most significant problem was that they were unable to sleep properly at night or in the early morning, he added. Their bedroom faced onto the Luas embankment and they regularly had to sleep with the windows shut and with ear plugs.
A consultant engineer who measured the noise levels from the operation of the Luas found those levels within their home exceeded acceptable or guideline measurements for residential areas. Counsel also argued the defendants did not have an immunity under the Transport Acts from being sued in the matter.
The case is expected to last several days.
Irishtimes.com
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Luas on track as profits up to €6.6m
DUBLIN's Luas light rail system made a profit of €6.6m last year, an increase of €2m on 2006.
And the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said that numbers using the system rose by 10pc in 2007, with 28.4 million passengers choosing to use the tram over the private car.
In its annual report, the RPA also said it expected passenger numbers to grow in 2008 and that it had completed a programme of providing longer trams on the red line to Tallaght, which would provide 40pc more capacity.
The €6.6m surplus will be maintained in a reserve, established to provide funding for future refurbishment of Luas infrastructure.
Over 99pc of services ran on time, and almost seven in 10 Luas passengers use the system four times a week, with 53pc using it to get to work. Meanwhile, 36pc use it to shop, and 30pc for leisure activities.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
And the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said that numbers using the system rose by 10pc in 2007, with 28.4 million passengers choosing to use the tram over the private car.
In its annual report, the RPA also said it expected passenger numbers to grow in 2008 and that it had completed a programme of providing longer trams on the red line to Tallaght, which would provide 40pc more capacity.
The €6.6m surplus will be maintained in a reserve, established to provide funding for future refurbishment of Luas infrastructure.
Over 99pc of services ran on time, and almost seven in 10 Luas passengers use the system four times a week, with 53pc using it to get to work. Meanwhile, 36pc use it to shop, and 30pc for leisure activities.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Longer trams to carry 2,000 extra people per hour
THE first of the Government's Transport 21 projects was completed yesterday when new, longer trams for the Luas red line service were unveiled.
The 40-metre trams will allow 2,000 extra passengers an hour to be carried between Connolly Station and Tallaght, and the trams can be extended even further to cope with additional demand.
Chief executive of the Railway Procurement Agency, Frank Allen, said the agency expected to apply for a railway order seeking permission to build Metro North within the next month.
He said it wanted to ensure it got value for money on the project -- reported to cost between €3bn and €4.5bn -- adding it was the "biggest infrastructure project" ever undertaken in the State.
"The timing of Metro North depends on the planning process and we would hope by this time next year we'll have a railway order," he said. The 2013 deadline for completion was "likely" to be met, assuming there were delays, but it was "essential we get value for money".
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the longer trams were "good news" for commuters as capacity would be raised by 40pc.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The 40-metre trams will allow 2,000 extra passengers an hour to be carried between Connolly Station and Tallaght, and the trams can be extended even further to cope with additional demand.
Chief executive of the Railway Procurement Agency, Frank Allen, said the agency expected to apply for a railway order seeking permission to build Metro North within the next month.
He said it wanted to ensure it got value for money on the project -- reported to cost between €3bn and €4.5bn -- adding it was the "biggest infrastructure project" ever undertaken in the State.
"The timing of Metro North depends on the planning process and we would hope by this time next year we'll have a railway order," he said. The 2013 deadline for completion was "likely" to be met, assuming there were delays, but it was "essential we get value for money".
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the longer trams were "good news" for commuters as capacity would be raised by 40pc.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Proposed Luas line would not meet running cost
A STUDY on a proposed new Luas line from Dundrum to Dublin city centre via Rathfarnham has found that delivery of its most feasible route would have "considerable adverse impacts" and would fall short of covering its operating costs by €2 million a year.
The Rathfarnham "E line" would also require the purchase of 150 private gardens and 10 buildings along the route.
The feasibility study, produced by the Railway Procurement Agency for the Minister for Transport, was presented to local representatives at a meeting yesterday. The 8.4 kilometre route "most likely to be feasible" begins at Christchurch and travels down Patrick Street and Clanbrassil Street before crossing the Grand Canal into Harold's Cross.
The line includes a single track loop between Harold's Cross and Terenure; the outbound track would travel down Brighton Square and on to Brighton Road and the inbound track would follow Terenure Road North, linking in with the outbound track at Rathfarnham Road. It would then travel on to Grange Road and Churchtown Road, terminating at The Oaks in Dundrum, where an interchange with the Luas Green would be built.
A section of the route which would have carried the line from Christchurch over O'Donovan Rossa Bridge to Constitution Hill at Broadstone on the north side of the city, was assessed as not feasible. The study found that there were too many engineering difficulties, including the vertical clearance for a tram at Christchurch Arch, the unsuitability of the bridge and the steep decline at Winetavern Street.
The "E line" would have considerable negative impact on traffic, the study found, and would require the removal of the Rathfarnham Quality Bus Corridor.
It also found that, based on current and projected population figures, passenger demand would not cover the running costs of the line and there would be a shortfall of €2 million a year.
Substantial property acquisition would be required: 150 private gardens would need to be purchased including some on Clanbrassil Street, Harold's Cross Road and at the Terenure Cross and Brighton Square junction. Some 112 gardens along the Rathfarnham to Dundrum section would be affected, including 50 on Grange Road and Nutgrove Avenue. Some 10 buildings would also have to be purchased.
As part of the study, an archaeological desktop report found that any route section located within the city's medieval town walls, "may have direct and indirect impact on a number of protected structures and national monuments, with an additional potential for impact on previously undiscovered archaeological remains".
Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews welcomed the report, but said a lot more detail and consultation would be required before a final decision on the line could be made.
Fine Gael spokeswoman on transport Olivia Mitchell said she was "bitterly disappointed" that the study looked at only one route.
"The plan is to build a Luas network in Dublin, and expanding areas including Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Knocklyon should be serviced as part of the overall network," she said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Rathfarnham "E line" would also require the purchase of 150 private gardens and 10 buildings along the route.
The feasibility study, produced by the Railway Procurement Agency for the Minister for Transport, was presented to local representatives at a meeting yesterday. The 8.4 kilometre route "most likely to be feasible" begins at Christchurch and travels down Patrick Street and Clanbrassil Street before crossing the Grand Canal into Harold's Cross.
The line includes a single track loop between Harold's Cross and Terenure; the outbound track would travel down Brighton Square and on to Brighton Road and the inbound track would follow Terenure Road North, linking in with the outbound track at Rathfarnham Road. It would then travel on to Grange Road and Churchtown Road, terminating at The Oaks in Dundrum, where an interchange with the Luas Green would be built.
A section of the route which would have carried the line from Christchurch over O'Donovan Rossa Bridge to Constitution Hill at Broadstone on the north side of the city, was assessed as not feasible. The study found that there were too many engineering difficulties, including the vertical clearance for a tram at Christchurch Arch, the unsuitability of the bridge and the steep decline at Winetavern Street.
The "E line" would have considerable negative impact on traffic, the study found, and would require the removal of the Rathfarnham Quality Bus Corridor.
It also found that, based on current and projected population figures, passenger demand would not cover the running costs of the line and there would be a shortfall of €2 million a year.
Substantial property acquisition would be required: 150 private gardens would need to be purchased including some on Clanbrassil Street, Harold's Cross Road and at the Terenure Cross and Brighton Square junction. Some 112 gardens along the Rathfarnham to Dundrum section would be affected, including 50 on Grange Road and Nutgrove Avenue. Some 10 buildings would also have to be purchased.
As part of the study, an archaeological desktop report found that any route section located within the city's medieval town walls, "may have direct and indirect impact on a number of protected structures and national monuments, with an additional potential for impact on previously undiscovered archaeological remains".
Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews welcomed the report, but said a lot more detail and consultation would be required before a final decision on the line could be made.
Fine Gael spokeswoman on transport Olivia Mitchell said she was "bitterly disappointed" that the study looked at only one route.
"The plan is to build a Luas network in Dublin, and expanding areas including Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Knocklyon should be serviced as part of the overall network," she said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Mind the gap: commuters face walk at 'integrated' rail station
THE extension of Luas to the Point Depot in Dublin will link up with the city's newest train station, as long as commuters don't mind a 350-metre walk.
The Department of Transport insisted yesterday that the docklands Luas was integrated with the docklands station, but admitted a short walk would be required to move from one public transport system to the other.
The bizarre possibility of an "integrated" public transport system requiring the use of an umbrella to make a connecting journey was raised yesterday, with Fine Gael accusing the Government of making a "huge mistake" and failing to learn the lessons of the past.
Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesman Leo Varadkar said the decision not to have Luas stopping at the docklands station was "madness", and urged the Government to re-consider the route.
"Commuters are still scratching their heads about the Government's decision not to link the red and green Luas lines, this mistake is now being rectified at the cost of millions of euros," he said.
"Fianna Fail is about to make the same mistake in the docklands. The new Luas docklands extension will not link up with the existing Iarnrod Eireann docklands train station. Once again, Fianna Fail is showing that it cannot learn from its mistakes.
"Minister Noel Dempsey must urgently review this crazy decision. Dublin commuters already have to face traffic gridlock, the M50 car park, the insanity of the Mad Cow, an inadequate bus network and the prospect of a congestion charge. To build a Luas almost half-a-kilometre from an existing train station is a further insult."
Last week, Mr Dempsey said, in reply to a parliamentary question, that the Luas extension to the Point Depot would include a stop at Spencer Dock.
A spokeswoman for Mr Dempsey said the Luas and docklands rail would be integrated. The Railway Procurement Agency, responsible for delivering the Luas extension, added the Luas would stop "very close" to the docklands.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The Department of Transport insisted yesterday that the docklands Luas was integrated with the docklands station, but admitted a short walk would be required to move from one public transport system to the other.
The bizarre possibility of an "integrated" public transport system requiring the use of an umbrella to make a connecting journey was raised yesterday, with Fine Gael accusing the Government of making a "huge mistake" and failing to learn the lessons of the past.
Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesman Leo Varadkar said the decision not to have Luas stopping at the docklands station was "madness", and urged the Government to re-consider the route.
"Commuters are still scratching their heads about the Government's decision not to link the red and green Luas lines, this mistake is now being rectified at the cost of millions of euros," he said.
"Fianna Fail is about to make the same mistake in the docklands. The new Luas docklands extension will not link up with the existing Iarnrod Eireann docklands train station. Once again, Fianna Fail is showing that it cannot learn from its mistakes.
"Minister Noel Dempsey must urgently review this crazy decision. Dublin commuters already have to face traffic gridlock, the M50 car park, the insanity of the Mad Cow, an inadequate bus network and the prospect of a congestion charge. To build a Luas almost half-a-kilometre from an existing train station is a further insult."
Last week, Mr Dempsey said, in reply to a parliamentary question, that the Luas extension to the Point Depot would include a stop at Spencer Dock.
A spokeswoman for Mr Dempsey said the Luas and docklands rail would be integrated. The Railway Procurement Agency, responsible for delivering the Luas extension, added the Luas would stop "very close" to the docklands.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Luas could yet join with DART
The option to extend the Luas to the front of the Dart station has been left open by Councillors approving a variation to the Town Development Plan at last week's meeting of Bray Town Council. This is an important piece of infrastructure,' said Cllr. Ciarán O'Brien. Bray will be one of the best served towns in the country.'
The option to extend the Luas to the front of the Dart station has been left open by Councillors approving a variation to the Town Development Plan at last week's meeting of Bray Town Council.
This is an important piece of infrastructure,' said Cllr. Ciarán O'Brien. Bray will be one of the best served towns in the country.'
Cllr. Pat Vance remarked that with so many negatives being bandied about, it should be recognised that the Luas will be a marvellous development in the centre of the town.' Cllr. John McManus welcomed the variation, saying that while development of the Luas would bring problems, but problems that could be solved.
Cllr. John Brady said that Irish Rail should address the condition of the station, to which the Cathaoirleach responded that the Town Clerk had written to the company asking that a full and proper refurbishment of the area be carried out. Cllr. Pat Vance asked that a representative from Irish Rail come to the Council.
Any derelict buildings will be full after the Luas comes to Bray,' said Cllr. Collins. It will be fantastic for tourism and business.'
Meanwhile, Cllr. Caroline Burrell insisted that an associated reference to a faster bus service' should be changed to frequent and more efficient'.
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
The option to extend the Luas to the front of the Dart station has been left open by Councillors approving a variation to the Town Development Plan at last week's meeting of Bray Town Council.
This is an important piece of infrastructure,' said Cllr. Ciarán O'Brien. Bray will be one of the best served towns in the country.'
Cllr. Pat Vance remarked that with so many negatives being bandied about, it should be recognised that the Luas will be a marvellous development in the centre of the town.' Cllr. John McManus welcomed the variation, saying that while development of the Luas would bring problems, but problems that could be solved.
Cllr. John Brady said that Irish Rail should address the condition of the station, to which the Cathaoirleach responded that the Town Clerk had written to the company asking that a full and proper refurbishment of the area be carried out. Cllr. Pat Vance asked that a representative from Irish Rail come to the Council.
Any derelict buildings will be full after the Luas comes to Bray,' said Cllr. Collins. It will be fantastic for tourism and business.'
Meanwhile, Cllr. Caroline Burrell insisted that an associated reference to a faster bus service' should be changed to frequent and more efficient'.
Bray People
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 7 January 2008
Dublin Bus to be told to axe routes due to Luas double-up
The Government is poised to tell Dublin Bus it needs to "redeploy" some of its fleet after passengers have deserted the service in favour of the Luas.
Moving the bus routes is potentially the most controversial of nine issues the Department of Transport will "take up with" CIE in the coming weeks.
The bus company has lost millions of passengers since the introduction of the light rail system.
The issue is on a list, drawn up after a group of consultants examined whether the Government got "value for money" for the massive subsidies it pays to the CIE group.
Consultants Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) found that the €1.2bn in subventions, given to CIE between 2001 and 2005, largely represented value for money.
But BAH also expressed concern about several issues, including the fall-off in Dublin Bus passenger numbers following the introduction of the Luas, Dublin Bus's ability to fund its future needs, and cost levels across all three state transport companies.
Efficiency
The Government has now vowed to "take up" a list of specific issues with CIE, including the need to redeploy the bus fleet away from Luas lines, the level of subcontractor costs at Bus Eireann and the impact of bus garage locations on the efficiency of services.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport told the Irish Independent the issues "will all be formally taken up with CIE by the Department within weeks".
The Government's bid to secure value for money came as consumers were faced with a raft of price hikes on public transport this week.
The consultants found Dublin Bus had received almost €291m in government subventions over the five years, plus €79.64m in capital grants and €1.46m in EU money.
The bus company's performance over the period was constrained, however, by a increased congestion that hampered bus speeds and a lack of capital funding for fleet expansion, the consultants said.
Meanwhile, the introduction of the Luas also posed serious challenges for Dublin Bus, prompting annual patronage to fall three million (to 146 million) in 2005.
"By the end of the period, the annual operating surplus had not increase significantly," the consultants noted.
Funds
"Consequently, there is a concern as to whether Dublin Bus is accumulating sufficient funds for its future needs, the most urgent of which is fleet renewal and expansion."
A spokeswoman for Dublin Bus said the company knew the Luas was just one of the factors influencing fleet deployment.
"Dublin Bus passenger numbers have grown once again since 2005, and the company remains, by far, the largest public transport provider in the Dublin area," she added.
Private operators are working towards a 15pc share of the Dublin bus market, after a 2006 agreement gave private services access to all new routes until this threshold is reached.
By autumn 2007, however, just five private operators (Mortons, Aircoach, Executive Express, Dualway and Eirebus) were running Dublin Bus-style services in the Dublin area.
Laura Noonan
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Moving the bus routes is potentially the most controversial of nine issues the Department of Transport will "take up with" CIE in the coming weeks.
The bus company has lost millions of passengers since the introduction of the light rail system.
The issue is on a list, drawn up after a group of consultants examined whether the Government got "value for money" for the massive subsidies it pays to the CIE group.
Consultants Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) found that the €1.2bn in subventions, given to CIE between 2001 and 2005, largely represented value for money.
But BAH also expressed concern about several issues, including the fall-off in Dublin Bus passenger numbers following the introduction of the Luas, Dublin Bus's ability to fund its future needs, and cost levels across all three state transport companies.
Efficiency
The Government has now vowed to "take up" a list of specific issues with CIE, including the need to redeploy the bus fleet away from Luas lines, the level of subcontractor costs at Bus Eireann and the impact of bus garage locations on the efficiency of services.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport told the Irish Independent the issues "will all be formally taken up with CIE by the Department within weeks".
The Government's bid to secure value for money came as consumers were faced with a raft of price hikes on public transport this week.
The consultants found Dublin Bus had received almost €291m in government subventions over the five years, plus €79.64m in capital grants and €1.46m in EU money.
The bus company's performance over the period was constrained, however, by a increased congestion that hampered bus speeds and a lack of capital funding for fleet expansion, the consultants said.
Meanwhile, the introduction of the Luas also posed serious challenges for Dublin Bus, prompting annual patronage to fall three million (to 146 million) in 2005.
"By the end of the period, the annual operating surplus had not increase significantly," the consultants noted.
Funds
"Consequently, there is a concern as to whether Dublin Bus is accumulating sufficient funds for its future needs, the most urgent of which is fleet renewal and expansion."
A spokeswoman for Dublin Bus said the company knew the Luas was just one of the factors influencing fleet deployment.
"Dublin Bus passenger numbers have grown once again since 2005, and the company remains, by far, the largest public transport provider in the Dublin area," she added.
Private operators are working towards a 15pc share of the Dublin bus market, after a 2006 agreement gave private services access to all new routes until this threshold is reached.
By autumn 2007, however, just five private operators (Mortons, Aircoach, Executive Express, Dualway and Eirebus) were running Dublin Bus-style services in the Dublin area.
Laura Noonan
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Record LUAS passenger figures for 2007
Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD has announced that 2007 was a record year for passenger numbers on the Luas Red and Green lines operated by Veolia and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA).
In 2007, nearly 29 million passengers used the Luas service. This reflects an increase of nearly 3 million passengers on the 2006 passenger figures and 7 million on the 2005 passenger figures.
In order to facilitate this passenger growth in 2007, the RPA introduced 13 longer trams on both the Red and Green lines - extending them from 30 meters to 40 meters.
All remaining 30 metre trams will be extended to 40 metres in 2008 to allow further passenger growth and to provide greater comfort and accessibility for passengers.
www.buckplanning.ie
In 2007, nearly 29 million passengers used the Luas service. This reflects an increase of nearly 3 million passengers on the 2006 passenger figures and 7 million on the 2005 passenger figures.
In order to facilitate this passenger growth in 2007, the RPA introduced 13 longer trams on both the Red and Green lines - extending them from 30 meters to 40 meters.
All remaining 30 metre trams will be extended to 40 metres in 2008 to allow further passenger growth and to provide greater comfort and accessibility for passengers.
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 7 December 2007
Regional cities may be on track for Luas
THE Government is to go ahead with studies to test whether Luas trams could be rolled out in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
The Transport Department is prepared to build Luas light rail systems in these regional cities if studies it has ordered conclude that this is feasible.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey revealed yesterday that the feasibility studies would determine if either Luas or rapid bus services could be introduced to cater for expanding commuter belts around cities.
Mr Dempsey disclosed the Luas plan yesterday when he expanded on plans to spend a record €3.8bn on transport next year.
He defended the Government's continued bias in favour of roads rather than public transport.
Funding of more than €2bn was announced for roads in yesterday's budget, compared to €1.3bn for public transport. Dealing with ongoing criticism of the failure to tackle roads such as the N11 near Arklow where there has been a succession of fatal crashes, Mr Dempsey said the immediate priority was to finish off the network of inter-urban roads between Dublin and the other cities.
Priorities
However, he stressed that the N11 would be tackled and that the National Roads Authority was already advancing this and other projects as part of the next list of priorities.
Mr Dempsey disclosed that the long-promised Dublin Transport Authority had been delayed because he was not happy with some elements of the draft legislation.
He wanted greater linkages between the provision of transport and planning and development.
This link would be drawn up by the new authority and each local authority in the Dublin area would have to take account of this in their development plans and in planning decisions, added Mr Dempsey.
Asked about the controversial decision by the NRA to scrap its plans to build a network of rest areas along dual-carriageways and motorways, the minister said that unsupervised areas could be a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
Metro
The NRA was instead proceeding with its plans for full service areas every 60km along the roads network.
Mr Dempsey said the public transport allocation would be used to fund extensions to Dublin's Luas light railway; for planning and design work on Dublin's proposed Metro systems and Navan rail line; and for work on the Kildare route project, the Western Rail Corridor and the Cork-Midleton rail line.
Outlining his spending plans Mr Dempsey said €2.3bn would be used to to improve the major inter-urban routes.
He dismissed suggestions that local authorities would have less to spend on the non-national roads in their areas because of reduced revenue. He said car tax income had increased and there would be no reduction.
Six more national roads schemes will begin in 2008.
Mr Dempsey reiterated his pledge to cut driving-test waiting lists to 10 weeks by next June, paving the way for the introduction of key provisional licence reforms.
Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The Transport Department is prepared to build Luas light rail systems in these regional cities if studies it has ordered conclude that this is feasible.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey revealed yesterday that the feasibility studies would determine if either Luas or rapid bus services could be introduced to cater for expanding commuter belts around cities.
Mr Dempsey disclosed the Luas plan yesterday when he expanded on plans to spend a record €3.8bn on transport next year.
He defended the Government's continued bias in favour of roads rather than public transport.
Funding of more than €2bn was announced for roads in yesterday's budget, compared to €1.3bn for public transport. Dealing with ongoing criticism of the failure to tackle roads such as the N11 near Arklow where there has been a succession of fatal crashes, Mr Dempsey said the immediate priority was to finish off the network of inter-urban roads between Dublin and the other cities.
Priorities
However, he stressed that the N11 would be tackled and that the National Roads Authority was already advancing this and other projects as part of the next list of priorities.
Mr Dempsey disclosed that the long-promised Dublin Transport Authority had been delayed because he was not happy with some elements of the draft legislation.
He wanted greater linkages between the provision of transport and planning and development.
This link would be drawn up by the new authority and each local authority in the Dublin area would have to take account of this in their development plans and in planning decisions, added Mr Dempsey.
Asked about the controversial decision by the NRA to scrap its plans to build a network of rest areas along dual-carriageways and motorways, the minister said that unsupervised areas could be a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
Metro
The NRA was instead proceeding with its plans for full service areas every 60km along the roads network.
Mr Dempsey said the public transport allocation would be used to fund extensions to Dublin's Luas light railway; for planning and design work on Dublin's proposed Metro systems and Navan rail line; and for work on the Kildare route project, the Western Rail Corridor and the Cork-Midleton rail line.
Outlining his spending plans Mr Dempsey said €2.3bn would be used to to improve the major inter-urban routes.
He dismissed suggestions that local authorities would have less to spend on the non-national roads in their areas because of reduced revenue. He said car tax income had increased and there would be no reduction.
Six more national roads schemes will begin in 2008.
Mr Dempsey reiterated his pledge to cut driving-test waiting lists to 10 weeks by next June, paving the way for the introduction of key provisional licence reforms.
Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Luas Line from Lucan to Dublin City Centre
The Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey T.D., has officially launched the public consultation process for the new Luas Line from Lucan to the City Centre.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Dempsey said - "People living in the Lucan area deserve a high-quality public transport service on their door-step. A Luas line will offer this. With an expected journey time of approximately 42 minutes from Lucan to the City Centre, this new line will provide a realistic alternative to private transport and it will improve the quality of life for commuters along one of the busiest routes into the city.
"I encourage the public to get involved in the consultation phase of this project, so that the Railway Procurement Agency can select the most appropriate route for the service."
Some 25 million extra passengers are expected to be added to the Luas network when the new line comes into operation.
Two main corridor options - with a number of local sub-options - have, so for, been identified for Luas Line F, which will be approximately 25km in length and is expected to come into service in 2013. Stops will be located at major interchanges, town-centres and other major locations, such as hospitals and colleges.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Dempsey said - "People living in the Lucan area deserve a high-quality public transport service on their door-step. A Luas line will offer this. With an expected journey time of approximately 42 minutes from Lucan to the City Centre, this new line will provide a realistic alternative to private transport and it will improve the quality of life for commuters along one of the busiest routes into the city.
"I encourage the public to get involved in the consultation phase of this project, so that the Railway Procurement Agency can select the most appropriate route for the service."
Some 25 million extra passengers are expected to be added to the Luas network when the new line comes into operation.
Two main corridor options - with a number of local sub-options - have, so for, been identified for Luas Line F, which will be approximately 25km in length and is expected to come into service in 2013. Stops will be located at major interchanges, town-centres and other major locations, such as hospitals and colleges.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Luas line on track for train link
THE Luas is to be extended into the centre of the Co Wicklow seaside town of Bray, transport chiefs have confirmed.
It comes after an intense public campaign to have the rail line connect with both the Dart and trains from the south-east, which carry thousands of commuters into Dublin every day.
The extension from Cherrywood, near Loughlinstown, to an as yet undetermined spot north of the town will divide in two, with one line going to Fassaroe in the west and the other through Bray to the Dart.
The announcement is a major coup for the county, with both local politicians and the town's chamber of commerce strongly welcoming the move.
Tom Manning, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), said: "It was decided that, subject to approval and receiving funding, the line will go and connect with the Dart."
Rolled-out under the Government's Transport 21 plan, the RPA last summer announced three possible routes for the extension, all of which by-passed Bray centre. But a campaign, launched by the local chamber of commerce, called for a spur-line to connect the light rail system with the Dart.
Advertisements were taken out in the county's local media, urging residents to write to the RPA in support of the link.
The announcement was given this week via an RPA letter to county manager Eddie Sheehy, read out at a meeting of Bray Town Council.
Subject to planning approval, it is hoped the project could be finished by 2015.
It would mark a major transport boost for the commuter population of both counties Wicklow and Wexford.
Mr Manning said detailed plans would now be devised as to how trams would run through the town.
Bray Chamber President Eugene Finnegan branded the announcement as historic.
"A number of months ago, all that seemed likely was a bus transit link into Bray from a Luas stop in Fassaroe," he said.
"Today, we have confirmation that the Luas will be brought into Bray and will link with Bray Dart Station.
"It is clear that the significant public response from the public in Bray and Co Wicklow calling on the RPA to bring the Luas into Bray was a significant factor in this decision.
"From the outset, we have passionately lobbied and articulated our belief that the Luas should connect with Bray Dart Station, thereby serving an existing population of 30,000, as well as towns across Co Wicklow served by the Suburban Rail Service," he said.
Irish Independent
It comes after an intense public campaign to have the rail line connect with both the Dart and trains from the south-east, which carry thousands of commuters into Dublin every day.
The extension from Cherrywood, near Loughlinstown, to an as yet undetermined spot north of the town will divide in two, with one line going to Fassaroe in the west and the other through Bray to the Dart.
The announcement is a major coup for the county, with both local politicians and the town's chamber of commerce strongly welcoming the move.
Tom Manning, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), said: "It was decided that, subject to approval and receiving funding, the line will go and connect with the Dart."
Rolled-out under the Government's Transport 21 plan, the RPA last summer announced three possible routes for the extension, all of which by-passed Bray centre. But a campaign, launched by the local chamber of commerce, called for a spur-line to connect the light rail system with the Dart.
Advertisements were taken out in the county's local media, urging residents to write to the RPA in support of the link.
The announcement was given this week via an RPA letter to county manager Eddie Sheehy, read out at a meeting of Bray Town Council.
Subject to planning approval, it is hoped the project could be finished by 2015.
It would mark a major transport boost for the commuter population of both counties Wicklow and Wexford.
Mr Manning said detailed plans would now be devised as to how trams would run through the town.
Bray Chamber President Eugene Finnegan branded the announcement as historic.
"A number of months ago, all that seemed likely was a bus transit link into Bray from a Luas stop in Fassaroe," he said.
"Today, we have confirmation that the Luas will be brought into Bray and will link with Bray Dart Station.
"It is clear that the significant public response from the public in Bray and Co Wicklow calling on the RPA to bring the Luas into Bray was a significant factor in this decision.
"From the outset, we have passionately lobbied and articulated our belief that the Luas should connect with Bray Dart Station, thereby serving an existing population of 30,000, as well as towns across Co Wicklow served by the Suburban Rail Service," he said.
Irish Independent
Friday, 29 June 2007
Dempsey doesn't know date for Luas missing link
TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey has admitted he does not know when the red and green Luas lines in Dublin will be joined up.
The lack of a link was "dividing up the city", Fine Gael transport spokesperson Olivia Mitchell told him.
She said the urgency of the matter could not be overstated.
Asked when the lines would be joined, Mr Dempsey said, "I do not know." The matter was not completely in his hands nor in those of the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA). There were outside agencies such as the city council which had to be consulted.
Ms Mitchell said it should be a "relatively simple project" to join the lines. The difficulties demonstrated the lack of any kind of a body in Dublin to coordinate decisions and ensure they were made.
The minister said he did not disagree with Ms Mitchell that greater coordination was needed.
That was why one of his first actions in the department had been to ask about the Dublin Transportation Authority legislation.
"I have indicated my wish to have it brought to Government as a matter of urgency and I hope we will have it in the House in the early stages of the autumn session," said Mr Dempsey. It would help expedite projects such as the Luas link line.
Ms Mitchell said she would welcome getting that legislation running and making the Dublin Transportation Authority a body "with teeth".
On delays caused by consulting outside bodies, she said it was time for the consultation to stop since it had been going on since 2005.
There should be no outside agencies but rather a single agency to drive matters ahead. It was essential that the trams could bring people right into the city centre and on to the south side.
The minister said preliminary results of the city council's traffic-modelling exercise were expected in the autumn.
The scheduled completion date for the overall project, including the cross-city link and subject to the statutory approval process, was 2012.
Geraldine Collins
Irish Independent
The lack of a link was "dividing up the city", Fine Gael transport spokesperson Olivia Mitchell told him.
She said the urgency of the matter could not be overstated.
Asked when the lines would be joined, Mr Dempsey said, "I do not know." The matter was not completely in his hands nor in those of the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA). There were outside agencies such as the city council which had to be consulted.
Ms Mitchell said it should be a "relatively simple project" to join the lines. The difficulties demonstrated the lack of any kind of a body in Dublin to coordinate decisions and ensure they were made.
The minister said he did not disagree with Ms Mitchell that greater coordination was needed.
That was why one of his first actions in the department had been to ask about the Dublin Transportation Authority legislation.
"I have indicated my wish to have it brought to Government as a matter of urgency and I hope we will have it in the House in the early stages of the autumn session," said Mr Dempsey. It would help expedite projects such as the Luas link line.
Ms Mitchell said she would welcome getting that legislation running and making the Dublin Transportation Authority a body "with teeth".
On delays caused by consulting outside bodies, she said it was time for the consultation to stop since it had been going on since 2005.
There should be no outside agencies but rather a single agency to drive matters ahead. It was essential that the trams could bring people right into the city centre and on to the south side.
The minister said preliminary results of the city council's traffic-modelling exercise were expected in the autumn.
The scheduled completion date for the overall project, including the cross-city link and subject to the statutory approval process, was 2012.
Geraldine Collins
Irish Independent
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Cost of new Luas track a mystery
A 6km extension to the Luas was unveiled yesterday, but without any cost estimates or how long it will take to complete, writes Shane Hickey.
Transport Minister Martin Cullen announced the preferred route for the extension to the Luas Green Line, which will go from Cherrywood to Bray.
The proposed track will continue on from the upcoming 7.5km green line extension which will run from Sandyford to Cherrywood in south Dublin.
However, Mr Cullen said he did not know how much the Bray extension would cost the Exchequer.
Irish Independent
Transport Minister Martin Cullen announced the preferred route for the extension to the Luas Green Line, which will go from Cherrywood to Bray.
The proposed track will continue on from the upcoming 7.5km green line extension which will run from Sandyford to Cherrywood in south Dublin.
However, Mr Cullen said he did not know how much the Bray extension would cost the Exchequer.
Irish Independent
Sunday, 6 May 2007
Rail turf war row may delay new Luas line
A KEY element of the government's transport plans for Dublin, the proposed Luas line between O'Connell Street and the Maynooth railway line, may be delayed due to a land dispute between CIE, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and the Department of Transport.
CIE and the RPA are fighting for control of a disused railway line running from the former Broadstone railway station in Phibsborough to the Maynooth line.
The line is owned by CIE but, under the government's Transport 21 strategy, it is to be transferred to the RPA so it can build the Luas line.
However, Irish Rail, a subsidiary of CIE, has now put forward a rival scheme for the land, which would see the reopening of the line.
The RPA and the Department of Transport are determined to proceed with the Luas scheme however and have refused to rule out serving a compulsory purchase order on CIE for the line.
An RPA spokesman said that the agency did not need CIE's approval to build the line. "The RPA is not part of the CIE group and applies to An Bord Pleanala for powers to construct, operate and maintain lines, " he said.
CIE has denied that Irish Rail's proposal is designed to block the Luas line proposal. "It is about meeting future demand and ensuring we have a network that has the capacity and flexibility to ensure we can do that, " said a spokesman.
"We envisage that Broadstone would be a terminus for Navan commuter services. It would also facilitate pre-Interconnector service expansion for the Maynooth line."
He said that Irish Rail will submit a business case for the project to the department in the near future. He said that the line would cost between 30 million and 40 million to reopen and services could begin as early as 2010 if the government approved its plan.
However, a spokeswoman for the department said that it would not approve CIE's scheme. "The Luas line has already been decided for the project and that will not be changed, " she said.
She declined to answer questions about whether the dispute revealed a lack of coordination between the transport agencies under the department's remit.
A spokesman for national railway user group, Platform 11, which represents Luas and rail passengers, said the dispute was a "turf war" in which passengers would lose out.
"In this case, it's clear that the Luas link delivers more than a railway would. It could have more stops and bring people right into the centre of town, " he said.
Sunday Tribune
CIE and the RPA are fighting for control of a disused railway line running from the former Broadstone railway station in Phibsborough to the Maynooth line.
The line is owned by CIE but, under the government's Transport 21 strategy, it is to be transferred to the RPA so it can build the Luas line.
However, Irish Rail, a subsidiary of CIE, has now put forward a rival scheme for the land, which would see the reopening of the line.
The RPA and the Department of Transport are determined to proceed with the Luas scheme however and have refused to rule out serving a compulsory purchase order on CIE for the line.
An RPA spokesman said that the agency did not need CIE's approval to build the line. "The RPA is not part of the CIE group and applies to An Bord Pleanala for powers to construct, operate and maintain lines, " he said.
CIE has denied that Irish Rail's proposal is designed to block the Luas line proposal. "It is about meeting future demand and ensuring we have a network that has the capacity and flexibility to ensure we can do that, " said a spokesman.
"We envisage that Broadstone would be a terminus for Navan commuter services. It would also facilitate pre-Interconnector service expansion for the Maynooth line."
He said that Irish Rail will submit a business case for the project to the department in the near future. He said that the line would cost between 30 million and 40 million to reopen and services could begin as early as 2010 if the government approved its plan.
However, a spokeswoman for the department said that it would not approve CIE's scheme. "The Luas line has already been decided for the project and that will not be changed, " she said.
She declined to answer questions about whether the dispute revealed a lack of coordination between the transport agencies under the department's remit.
A spokesman for national railway user group, Platform 11, which represents Luas and rail passengers, said the dispute was a "turf war" in which passengers would lose out.
"In this case, it's clear that the Luas link delivers more than a railway would. It could have more stops and bring people right into the centre of town, " he said.
Sunday Tribune
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Longer Luas carriages coming down the track
FIRST we had the 'bendy-bus'.
Now its the turn of the 'telescoped tram'.
Commuters packed onto rush-hour Luas trams are finally getting some relief in the shape of longer trams.
The existing 30m-long trams will be 'stretched' to add on a further 10m in length.
The longer trams, 26 in all, will increase capacity by 40pc.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Martin Cullen met the mechanics involved in extending the fleet of Luas trams on the Tallaght-Connolly Station line.
Mr Cullen was accompanied by Tom Mulcahy, chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency and chief executive designate of the new Dublin Transportation Authority.
The minister was also attending the signing of the contract for 18 extra trams costing €51.2m.
Last year, a total of 26m passengers used the two Luas lines, a 16pc increase on the previous year.
The first of the extended trams are due in service next month.
Mr Cullen said the large number of passengers using Luas was also helping to reduce climate changing emissions.
Treacy Hogan
Irish Independent
Now its the turn of the 'telescoped tram'.
Commuters packed onto rush-hour Luas trams are finally getting some relief in the shape of longer trams.
The existing 30m-long trams will be 'stretched' to add on a further 10m in length.
The longer trams, 26 in all, will increase capacity by 40pc.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Martin Cullen met the mechanics involved in extending the fleet of Luas trams on the Tallaght-Connolly Station line.
Mr Cullen was accompanied by Tom Mulcahy, chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency and chief executive designate of the new Dublin Transportation Authority.
The minister was also attending the signing of the contract for 18 extra trams costing €51.2m.
Last year, a total of 26m passengers used the two Luas lines, a 16pc increase on the previous year.
The first of the extended trams are due in service next month.
Mr Cullen said the large number of passengers using Luas was also helping to reduce climate changing emissions.
Treacy Hogan
Irish Independent
Friday, 6 April 2007
New Luas line plan in docklands scheme
PLANS for a new Luas line servicing Dublin's docklands will be included in the redevelopment of the Poolbeg Peninsula, a Dail committee heard yesterday.
A proposed planning scheme for the area, which includes the line, will be prepared in the next few months and available for public consultation by the end of the year.
Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Batt O'Keeffe, told the Joint Committee on Environment that the area could benefit from a range of enhanced transport options. "The opportunity exists to significantly increase the development capacity of the area by extending the Luas, in due course, from the Point village," he said.
Although the extension was anticipated in the 2006 amendment of the North Lotts Planning Scheme, the inclusion of a narrow strip of land along Pigeon House Road and York Road is intended to facilitate the anticipated extension of the Luas into the area.
"The Dublin Docklands Development Authority believes that an integrated, high-quality, high density mixed-use development in Poolbeg is the most sustainable use of land, both socially and economically," said the minister.
"It will help meet the housing, employment, community, cultural and recreational needs of the Docklands area and the wider city."
Anita Mullan
Irish Independent
A proposed planning scheme for the area, which includes the line, will be prepared in the next few months and available for public consultation by the end of the year.
Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Batt O'Keeffe, told the Joint Committee on Environment that the area could benefit from a range of enhanced transport options. "The opportunity exists to significantly increase the development capacity of the area by extending the Luas, in due course, from the Point village," he said.
Although the extension was anticipated in the 2006 amendment of the North Lotts Planning Scheme, the inclusion of a narrow strip of land along Pigeon House Road and York Road is intended to facilitate the anticipated extension of the Luas into the area.
"The Dublin Docklands Development Authority believes that an integrated, high-quality, high density mixed-use development in Poolbeg is the most sustainable use of land, both socially and economically," said the minister.
"It will help meet the housing, employment, community, cultural and recreational needs of the Docklands area and the wider city."
Anita Mullan
Irish Independent
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Work begins on Luas extension
WORK has begun on the first privately-funded extension to the Luas network.
Yesterday, work linking the 'Red' Tallaght line to Citywest began after a consortium of private developers agreed to meet the €40m cost.
The new line will have stops at Fettercairn, Cheeverstown, Citywest Campus, Fortunestown and Saggart, and will connect to the existing Red line between the Cookstown and Belgard stops.
The line is due to open by September 2009 and is being funded by Jim Mansfield of the Citywest Hotel, Citywest Business Park and Harcourt Developments.
Yesterday, CEO of the Citywest Group, Bernard O'Byrne, said the Government had not been asked to provide any funding and that the extension was "good news" for Citywest.
"We are also building 300 extra rooms, and have a new training area planned for rugby, soccer and GAA teams who stay in the Citywest Hotel. These are exciting developments for the Citywest Group."
Up to 5m people a year will use the route, and a park-and-ride facility is planned at Cheeverstown.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
Yesterday, work linking the 'Red' Tallaght line to Citywest began after a consortium of private developers agreed to meet the €40m cost.
The new line will have stops at Fettercairn, Cheeverstown, Citywest Campus, Fortunestown and Saggart, and will connect to the existing Red line between the Cookstown and Belgard stops.
The line is due to open by September 2009 and is being funded by Jim Mansfield of the Citywest Hotel, Citywest Business Park and Harcourt Developments.
Yesterday, CEO of the Citywest Group, Bernard O'Byrne, said the Government had not been asked to provide any funding and that the extension was "good news" for Citywest.
"We are also building 300 extra rooms, and have a new training area planned for rugby, soccer and GAA teams who stay in the Citywest Hotel. These are exciting developments for the Citywest Group."
Up to 5m people a year will use the route, and a park-and-ride facility is planned at Cheeverstown.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
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