A light rail line between Busaras and Connolly Station in Dublin's city centre would create a transport exchange to facilitate the flow of passengers between the Luas, the heavy rail, the DART and create a gateway to the city, CIE said yesterday at a public inquiry into the proposal.
The proposed light rail would be an extension of the Tallaght to Middle Abbey Street line; the plan would incorporate the station, Amiens Street, Mayor Street and Harbourmaster Place.
The inspector, Judge Sean O'Leary, sat to hear submissions about the CIE application.
Mr Maurice Gaffney SC, for CIE, said that in written submissions to the inquiry there appeared to be little if any dissatisfaction with the application.
Mr Michael Sheedy, Light Rapid Transit (LRT) project manager, an engineer with CIE, said the line, Line C(S), could not operate as a stand-alone line.
Referring to the cost benefit analysis, Mr Sheedy said the additional revenue which would result from the construction of Line C would exceed additional operating costs and so its construction strengthened the financial case for the Tallaght to city centre Luas system.
Mr Sheedy said the proposal would mean the removal of the ramp at Connolly Station, the need for a low, retaining wall between the LRT tracks and adjoining Harbourmaster Place and the provision of a lift, new stairs and escalators between the southern high-level access to Connolly Station and the Luas stop. Canopies would be provided at the Connolly stop to provide shelter.
There would be a new lay-by to facilitate pick-up/set-down facilities for taxis, private cars and buses off Amiens Street.
Mr Sheedy said it was anticipated that the line from Tallaght to the Jervis stop would be fully operational by spring 2003. In the event of a positive outcome to the Line C application, it was intended that the service to Connolly Station would come into operation later in 2003. The construction of Line C was expected to take 20 months.
Architect Mr Alan White, of Faulkner/Browns, said the site presented the opportunity to design a transport interchange to facilitate the flow of passengers between all aspects of travel.
He said the design would enhance the city, with canopies forming a sculptural element providing a focal point, particularly at night when they would be illuminated. The stairs were designed for use by ambulant disabled and lifts for wheelchair disabled would run from the platform up to the concourse.
"Good lighting, good visibility around the station, use of CCTV, etc, minimise the opportunity for crime," he told the inquiry.
Light-controlled crossings, escalators, lifts and stairs would be provided for pedestrians.
He said the change of level up to the existing station concourse would be used to create a terrace, and the limestone in the walls would be reused to form a plinth for the existing station building. A new public square would be created, linking the city to the spaces and facilities of the IFSC.
He said he believed the design of the Connolly Station light rail stop fitted the scale of the city, provided an interesting visual solution to a difficult architectural problem and would be made from high-quality materials.