The Luas Green Line has transformed public transport in our area. However, the success of the service has meant demand has increased, well beyond the level for which it was initially designed.
Scheduled new residential and commercial developments along the Luas Green Line will bring tens of thousands of additional passengers in the next few years.
As a result of lobbying and lack of foresight, as of 26 March 2019, the Government has cancelled the planned upgrade of the LUAS Green Line to a full Metro service – until at least 2038!
This decision in no way takes account of the current or future transport needs of this area.
Please join me at my upcoming public meeting to discuss this issue, including key questions such as:
Will the planned upgrade result in the LUAS Green line being closed for 4 years?
Absolutely not, the Luas Green Line was designed for such expansion, the tracks are wide enough and strong enough to immediately support Metro trains, and the power stations were built with the capacity to expand to produce the extra required energy.
Inevitably, some works will be needed on the platforms, as well as connection to the main MetroLink Line. Considered planning and design, however, can reduce any period of interruption to months or weeks.
Can longer and more frequent Luas trams sufficiently handle the growing demand?
Increasing frequency and scale will have only a very minor impact on the current overcrowding situation. Already, commuters wait for multiple full trams to pass before they can board one. In addition to inconvenience and delay, the tram and platform overcrowding situation is becoming a significant safety concern.
Planned developments further up line in areas such as Cherrywood and Sandyford will make it near impossible to board a train at stations such as Kilmacud, Balally, Dundrum or Windy Arbour. A full Metro service on the Green Line will provide the capacity to carry up to 5 times the number of passengers as the Luas.
A public consultation will shortly begin on the amended MetroLink proposal, I will be making a strong submission on behalf of the commuters of Dublin Rathdown. Please join me on 3rd April @ 8pm in The Goat to share your views on this issue.
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