Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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82. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the future extensions to the Luas in Dublin. [44223/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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99. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand capacity on the Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43994/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 99 together.

I thank the Deputies for their questions and propose to take both together as they relate to the improvement of Luas generally.

I think there are three aspects to be considered in the context of improving Luas services in Dublin –

- The introduction of new and extended trams on the existing system;

- The ongoing planning and design of proposed extensions; and

- The potential for future new and additional Luas lines.

On the first point I have no doubt we all welcome this year’s entry into service of the last of the 8 new trams and 26 extended trams on the Luas Green Line. This has resulted in a capacity expansion of around 30% as compared to before and will be very welcome I am sure to passengers on the Line in the coming months and years. There are further plans under consideration to boost capacity even further through the provision of a turn-back at Stephen’s Green for example and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is considering options in that regard.

Secondly, there is the ongoing planning and design of extensions to the network as referenced in the existing NDP. Last year I was delighted to launch the first public consultation in relation to the proposed Luas Finglas extension. Work has continued on the development of a preferred route for that extension and I understand a second public consultation is expected to be held toward the end of the year. Luas Lucan is at a much earlier stage of development and I understand TII is undertaking a feasibility study with regard to that proposal.  

Finally, there is the ongoing review of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy which the National Transport Authority launched late last year. The Strategy will address the future requirements for public transport in the Greater Dublin Area, including the requirement for Luas, both in terms of meeting the capacity requirements on existing lines, as well as the need for new Luas corridors.A public consultation on the revised strategy will be held later in the year with a final strategy submitted for my approval in early 2022.