Dublin's Luas network set for major upgrades and new lines under 2050 plan
He said the agency is moving away from piecemeal project delivery towards a more coordinated, system-wide approach.
'We're not simply delivering individual projects,' Mr Duffy said.
'We're building a connected, strategic light rail network that will serve Dublin and its surrounding region right through to 2050.'
The Luas 2050 plan covers everything from new lines in Finglas, Lucan, and Poolbeg, to the complete replacement of the ageing Red Line fleet between 2028 and 2029, designed to ease overcrowding during busy periods.
In addition, upgrades to key depots and interchanges, including the Red Cow Bus Interchange, are intended to streamline connections between bus and tram services and reduce delays.
New stops will also be introduced in developing areas such as City Edge on the Naas Road.
Mr Duffy acknowledged the challenge of bringing multiple projects together under one flexible strategy.
'With the network's technological complexity and the urgent need to update key assets, Luas 2050 is crucial to coordinating efforts and planning for future demand,' he said.
However, the pace of the rollout faces barriers outside the project team's control, including planning delays, requirements set by the National Transport Authority (NTA), and Government procedures.
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Workshops held by TII identified these issues as key bottlenecks slowing down progress.
A presentation given to the TII Board earlier this year highlights that accelerating the Luas expansion will require cooperation between TII, the NTA, local authorities, and political stakeholders to overcome these hurdles.
The same presentation reveals an ambitious timeline, dependent on funding.
By 2026, TII hopes to be actively working on five Luas lines, including Finglas (aiming to start construction soon after planning permission); Lucan (finalising route selection); Cork (in preliminary design); and Poolbeg (project commencement pending official approval).
A fifth new line, yet to be confirmed, is also being considered as part of the overall plan.
Alongside these projects, major works such as the Red Cow Bus Interchange and depot extension are slated for completion between 2027 and 2028, alongside the awarding of a rolling stock contract and order for the new Red Line fleet.
Looking further ahead, the plan targets commencing a new Luas line every 1-2 years from 2029 onwards to meet the 2050 vision.
While the network's current Green Line is expected to have sufficient capacity until around 2027, the Red Line is already at or near capacity, with constraints on increasing services without more trams and depot expansion.
TII's longer-term vision also includes potential orbital lines around Dublin, designed to improve connectivity between suburbs without needing to travel into the city centre.
However, these remain dependent on Government funding and planning.
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Irish Independent
14 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Dublin's Luas network set for major upgrades and new lines under 2050 plan
At a recent Lean Construction Ireland webinar, Anthony Duffy, Head of Project Services at TII, outlined its vision to expand and modernise Dublin's light rail network over the next 25 years. He said the agency is moving away from piecemeal project delivery towards a more coordinated, system-wide approach. 'We're not simply delivering individual projects,' Mr Duffy said. 'We're building a connected, strategic light rail network that will serve Dublin and its surrounding region right through to 2050.' The Luas 2050 plan covers everything from new lines in Finglas, Lucan, and Poolbeg, to the complete replacement of the ageing Red Line fleet between 2028 and 2029, designed to ease overcrowding during busy periods. In addition, upgrades to key depots and interchanges, including the Red Cow Bus Interchange, are intended to streamline connections between bus and tram services and reduce delays. New stops will also be introduced in developing areas such as City Edge on the Naas Road. Mr Duffy acknowledged the challenge of bringing multiple projects together under one flexible strategy. 'With the network's technological complexity and the urgent need to update key assets, Luas 2050 is crucial to coordinating efforts and planning for future demand,' he said. However, the pace of the rollout faces barriers outside the project team's control, including planning delays, requirements set by the National Transport Authority (NTA), and Government procedures. ADVERTISEMENT Workshops held by TII identified these issues as key bottlenecks slowing down progress. A presentation given to the TII Board earlier this year highlights that accelerating the Luas expansion will require cooperation between TII, the NTA, local authorities, and political stakeholders to overcome these hurdles. The same presentation reveals an ambitious timeline, dependent on funding. By 2026, TII hopes to be actively working on five Luas lines, including Finglas (aiming to start construction soon after planning permission); Lucan (finalising route selection); Cork (in preliminary design); and Poolbeg (project commencement pending official approval). A fifth new line, yet to be confirmed, is also being considered as part of the overall plan. Alongside these projects, major works such as the Red Cow Bus Interchange and depot extension are slated for completion between 2027 and 2028, alongside the awarding of a rolling stock contract and order for the new Red Line fleet. Looking further ahead, the plan targets commencing a new Luas line every 1-2 years from 2029 onwards to meet the 2050 vision. While the network's current Green Line is expected to have sufficient capacity until around 2027, the Red Line is already at or near capacity, with constraints on increasing services without more trams and depot expansion. TII's longer-term vision also includes potential orbital lines around Dublin, designed to improve connectivity between suburbs without needing to travel into the city centre. However, these remain dependent on Government funding and planning.
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
Plans for new Luas lines 'should be fast-tracked'
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Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Dublin Live
Finglas apartment plans on proposed Luas route withdrawn following community pushback
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Plans to develop over 600 apartments on a site along the proposed Finglas Luas route have been withdrawn following serious concerns from the local community. The plans for 607 residential units within five blocks were intended for the KSG Group Site on McKee Avenue with heights of up to 10 storeys. The plans were submitted as a singular application despite the Jamestown masterplan for the area. This planning application was submitted for a site that was earmarked in the masterplan for primarily three but up to eight storeys. While a reason for withdrawal was not forthcoming through Dublin City Council planning, the application received considerable pushback from the community. Dozens of observations were submitted on the planning application from locals, resident groups and politicians, primarily objecting to the proposal in its current form. Issues raised included traffic concerns, overdevelopment of the site against the master plan, the need for the Luas and the overcapacity of the local water and sewage network. Fianna Fail councillor Keith Connolly raised concerns surrounding the lack of alignment with the masterplan for the area. He said: "The Masterplan clearly requires that developments be brought forward in a phased, coordinated manner, including the provision of surface water management infrastructure, green space, and community facilities. "This application appears to be a standalone development with no demonstrated coordination with adjacent landowners or a comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan(SWMP). There has been no evidence of a holistic approach to the side or any engagement with surrounding landowners, particularly those on the Jamestown Road side of the masterplan." While his party colleague, TD Paul McAuliffe added: "The Jamestown Masterplan, as adopted by the elected members of Dublin City Council,provides the agreed framework for development in this area. It is essential that all applications adhere to its principles to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and well-serviced community." While people Before Profit Cllr Conor Reddy said that the proposal "moves further away from the goal of a sustainable, mixed community rather than private rental". One of the adjacent land owners also had concerns about an access road planned for the their site and the lack of access to the proposal site for construction due to no agreement or engagement. They claimed that the applicant created a "ransom strip" with the proposal. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
