The Dublin Light Rail project is on schedule, with the first interim service expected to be in place in two years' time, according to a new report published yesterday, writes Miriam Donohoe, Political Reporter.
The third report of the Light Rail Advisory Group says the two core Luas lines - from Tallaght to Abbey Street and Sandyford to St Stephen's Green - are progressing in accordance with the timetable set down by the Government in May 1998 - the prospect of having an "interim" service on the Sandyford to city centre route still remains in place.
The chairman of the advisory group, Mr Padraic White, yesterday rejected public scepticism that the light rail network would never be implemented. He stressed while the "I will believe it when I see it" attitude remains a common sentiment, the Tallaght and Sandyford lines were on schedule for completion by 2003.
At peak hour the 30-metre Tallaght trams would run every five minutes, have 21 stops along the route, and would carry 235 passengers each in 38 minutes. The 40-metre Sandyford trams would run every four minutes at peak hour, have 13 stops, and would carry 310 people in 22 minutes to the city centre.
Mr White said one Tallaght tram carrying 236 passengers was the equivalent of 168 typical car journeys. The report says that park-and-ride facilities would be provided at the Tallaght, the Red Cow, Sandyford, Stillorgan and Balally stops.
On the proposed Abbey Street to Connolly Station Luas line, the report says that if the revised proposal for the Store Street to Connolly section was approved it could be completed in accordance with the initial timetable.
A public inquiry into CIE's revised proposal for this section is due to begin on September 18th. The report notes Government approval in principle for a metro line to Dublin Airport with the objective of going to tender within 12 months for the metro public private partnership.
According to the report, preparatory construction work on the Tallaght line is advancing steadily from the Tallaght end.
The Department of Public Enterprise has appointed consultants to organise the competition for the selection of an operator to run the Luas system on a public-private partnership. It is expected that the contract will be signed by September 2001.