A PEDESTRIAN in his late 50s has died after being struck by a Luas tram in Tallaght.
It is the first fatality involving a member of the public and a Luas vehicle since the light rail service began operations in June 2004. A Garda spokesman said the driver tried to stop but did not have enough time.
The man was struck by the Luas at Cookstown Way on Saturday evening. He died from severe head injuries on Sunday morning in Tallaght hospital.
According to a preliminary Garda investigation, the man may have been standing on the tracks in what was a dark area of the line, with his back to the Luas. It appears the only witnesses to the incident were the Luas driver and two passengers.
A spokeswoman for Luas operator, Veolia Transport, said the incident happened near the last stop on the Red Line from Connolly station to Tallaght.
A company investigation is also being carried out into the incident.
Last year, there were 28 incidents involving a Luas tram. Of these, 18 involved people, two of whom required hospital treatment.
The man was from Tallaght but his name will not be released until all his family members have been informed. Veolia Transport has extended its sympathy to the man's family.