Government indicates Poolbeg Luas extension could be accelerated
The Government has indicated that the proposed Luas Poolbeg extension could be accelerated as part of the upcoming National Development Plan review this summer. The National Transport Authority has already instructed Transport Infrastructure Ireland to conduct a pre-feasibility analysis, which is expected to conclude this summer, to assess passenger demand. Dublin Port’s ongoing expansion includes a new bridge over the River Liffey as part of its 3FM Project, which is designed to accommodate a future Luas extension. The planning application is currently before An Bord Pleanala, and local Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan urged the NTA to synchronise its Luas application with this construction timeline - which could be within two to three years. The rapid development of Poolbeg, with 500 homes already built and 3,500 planned at the former glass bottle site, could see its population double to 10,000 - matching neighbouring Ringsend and Irishtown’s 2016 figures. Deputy Geoghegan said: “Surely it is common sense that when Dublin Port will be building this bridge, which, assuming planning gets approved in the next month or two, could be within the next two to three years, at the same time that the NTA will be working lock, stock and barrel with this Dublin Port expansion plan, the NTA will be ready to put forward to An Bord Pleanála its application to extend the Luas. Potentially, there could be 10,000 people living there. "It is essential that we have joined-up thinking when it comes to our housing and that people have the public transport infrastructure they need. The Luas to Finglas is already before An Bord Pleanala. "The Luas to Lucan is at an option stage. This relatively minor extension is a third Luas extension project which has a lot of merit." Minster for State Jerry Buttimer said: “The Government understands the merits of the proposed Luas Poolbeg project. It is one of a number of projects that have been highlighted for possible acceleration as part of the review of the NDP, which is planned for later this year. “I understand that the NTA recently instructed TII to undertake a pre-feasibility analysis of the Luas Poolbeg project. This analysis will include updated demand modelling to assess the initial feasibility. "This analysis is expected to be completed in the summer." Deputy Geoghegan said he is glad the Minister agrees that it is "common sense" to speed up the extension. He added: "We should deliver this vital piece of infrastructure now, before thousands of new people move to the area and raise the cost of construction. 10,000 more people will live in the area in 10 years’ time. "We know that it is easier to build infrastructure in places that are less densely populated. We can save the taxpayer significant sums by taking the initiative now, rather than waiting until almost 2040." 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.
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