Mr. Garret Doocey:

The Senator is correct that before the Covid pandemic capacity on the Luas green line was a serious issue. As he will probably be aware, the Luas green line capacity enhancement project finished this year. That has expanded the capacity to the Sandyford depot, first and foremost. It has extended all 26 existing trams to 55 m. We have also introduced eight new 55 m trams, which extends the capacity by approximately 30%. It is not an exact science. There is a second phase under consideration as well. That will extend the capacity on the Luas green line. That is about increasing the pathways on the southern section into St. Stephen's Green. There are probably some works required around the platforms at St. Stephen's Green. That is a second phase, which will bring in and of itself an additional significant bonus to capacity. I just do not have the percentage in my head at the minute. They are the two immediate and medium-term requirements on the Luas green line. Then, in the coming month or so, there will be a revised draft greater Dublin area, GDA, strategy published for public consultation, which will set out the longer-term ambition in the area of light rail generally and on the Luas green line. Of course, the ultimate ambition remains the upgrade to a metro standard at a point in the future when capacity requires it.