LUAS to Cherrywood

An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D. officially opened the new Luas Cherrywood (Line B1) extension on Saturday 16 October , 2010). The official opening was also attended by the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, local representatives, local residents, RPA’s private sector partners and other key stakeholders. The opening event was held in the Treasury Holdings Central Park Building which is adjacent to the new Luas Central Park Stop.

Welcoming the opening of the Luas extension to Cherrywood, the Taoiseach said "This new extension of the Green Luas Line is a further development in our infrastructure investment programme which offers sustainable public transport and paves the way for the creation of a fully integrated network. The Government’s Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016 sets out a comprehensive transport programme which aims to increase Luas passenger numbers to 42 million by 2016. This programme will contribute to economic recovery, support employment, deliver important social infrastructure, and assist the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

RPA Chief Executive, Mr. Frank Allen said that the extension was a major milestone in developing an integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area and will add to the competitiveness of business parks in Central Park, Carrickmines and Cherrywood. He noted that Luas passenger numbers are showing a strong recovery with Red Line passengers increasing by more than 10% in June to October 2010 compared with the same period in 2009.

RPA submitted a Railway Order Application for this project in November 2005 which was followed by a Public Inquiry in March 2006. This Order became effective in January 2007 and construction work started shortly thereafter. The Minister for Transport signed the Railway Order in August 2006. An application by a third party for a judicial review (which was settled out of court) delayed the start of construction by several months. RPA is pleased to note that the new line has been delivered within the agreed timeframe and within budget.

Construction of new extension began in the spring of 200 with preparatory works, including the re-alignment and renewal of utilities, road works and major structures began

Sandyford Stop was upgraded from two to three platforms and five new stabling tracks were added at the Sandyford Depot to cater for additional trams.

The Cherrywood extension runs over three bridges and one viaduct and crosses the M50 twice. The alignment re-uses some of the old Harcourt Street line and this required the replacement of the old Glenamuck Bridge.

A Park and Ride facility for Luas with 350 spaces was due to be provided as part of a larger mixed use development by a private developer adjacent to the Carrickmines Stop.  However, the developer was unable to secure planning permission for his development from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.  In March 2010, the RPA applied to DLRCC for permission to construct a temporary surface car park (on the undeveloped land of the developer) with 350 spaces and the Council granted that permission on 23 September last.  Subject to no appeals being lodged against that permission, the RPA plan to move quickly to construct the temporary car park and have it open in the first quarter of 2011.

It is expected that the new 7.5 km line will add over 2 million passenger journeys a year to the Luas network. It is a key component of the Government’s Transport 21 investment programme. The cost of the Cherrywood extension is less than €300million. The main infrastructure contractors were the international consortium Sacyr Bowen Somague; utility diversion works for the project and construction of the Ballyogan Road were carried out by SIAC and bridge construction was by Laing O’Rourke. Luas Cherrywood has been included in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council development plan for some time and the Council was a partner in delivering the project. RPA also entered into direct agreements with a number of private sector developers.

There are 9 new stops on the line at Central Park, Glencairn, The Gallops, Leopardstown Valley, Ballyogan Wood, Carrickmines, Laughanstown, Cherrywood and Brides Glen. There are also two future stops: Racecourse and Brennanstown. Neither of these stops is opening at present; proposed development has not occurred at the anticipated pace. The two stops will however open for passenger service in line with development in their immediate catchment areas.

Journey time from Brides Glen to Saint Stephen’s Green is less than 40 minutes.

Tram Frequency (Weekdays)

From Bride’s Glen to St. Stephen’s Green

5.30 – 6.00           20 minutes

6.00 – 8.00           7-10 minutes

8.00 – 15.00         12 minutes

15.00 – 18.00       10 minutes

18.00 – 22.00       12 minutes

22.00 – 00.30       15 minutes

 

From St. Stephen’s Green to Bride’s Glen

5.30 – 10.00         7-10 minutes

10.00 – 16.00       12 minutes

16.00 – 19.00       10 minutes

19.00 – 23.00       12 minutes

23.00 – 00.30       15 minutes

 

Some services on the Green Line will continue to start and terminate at Sandyford; therefore, the overall frequency on the Sandyford/Stephen’s Green section of the line will be 3 to 5 minutes during peak periods.