The Luas network is described as a vital component in the public transport element of the DTI strategy, attracting existing car users. The Tallaght to Abbey Street line for which construction recently commenced is expected to be completed by 2003 at a cost of £166 million.
The Sandyford to St Stephen's Green line is also expected to be completed by 2003, as is the city centre link to Connolly Station costed at £122 million and £20 million respectively. The Broadstone line to Dublin Airport is expected to be completed by 2006 at a cost of £108 million while the underground section between St Stephen's Green and Broadstone is still targeted for completion by 2006. The Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs O'Rourke, told The Irish Times that the results of the consultants' geo-technical study of the route would be available from December of this year.
Because of this, the total cost of Luas is unknown. Excluding the underground section, the budget is £146 million for construction with an additional £12 million in costs.