Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the roll-out of the 25 extended trams for the green line LUAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24988/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government has committed to continue the investment programme in public transport to improve our existing public transport, including light rail.

The lengthening of the 26 existing Green line trams from 43m to 55m is a contituent part of the Green Line Capacity Enhancement project, which is overseen by the National Transport Authority who have statutory responsibility for the planning and implementation of public transport projects in the Greater Dublin Area. The project also includes the procurement of eight new 55m-long trams and the extension of the Sandyford Depot to accommodate the maintenance of the longer trams. This project, once completed, will provide an increase of approximately 30% in passenger capacity for the Luas Green Line.

The Sandyford Depot extension has been completed. I am informed that 15 of the 26 tram extensions have arrived and entered service, and that another two tram extensions are due for delivery this month. Three of the eight new trams have also arrived. Delivery of the tram extensions and of the additional trams will continue into 2021.