Progression of Finglas Luas is a welcome development – Paul McAuliffe TD

PLANNING DECISION TO BE MADE ON FINGLAS LUAS EXTENSION BY SEPTEMBER 30TH

Deputy Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West, raised the Finglas Luas with Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Transport, earlier this week in the Dáil. He also highlighted how Dublin North West is one of the few constituencies in the country that does not have a rail service as the constituency is entirely reliant on bus services at present.

The Minister for Transport, confirmed to Deputy McAuliffe: “I am pleased to say I understand the board has recently confirmed that a decision will be made before 30 September 2025. It is not often the board comes out with a definitive date like that. That in itself is very significant.

Should the railway order be granted, the NTA will need to provide my Department with a procurement strategy for Luas Finglas, as is normal, under the infrastructure guidelines. Following ministerial approval, the project can enter the procurement stage. Subject to the planning decision, this project will be transformational for residents of the Deputy's constituency and the surrounding area, who will be able to link through the other networks.”

He added: “I await with interest the decision prior to 30 September and look forward to working with the Deputy directly to deliver this project for Finglas.”

Welcoming the news, Deputy McAuliffe said: “It is very welcome that we will have a planning decision by 30 September. The Minister is right that the decision to bring it to the Cabinet for gate 1 was really important. The Minister, Deputy Lawless, really assisted us in doing that. He came on site and examined the potential of it. I was pleased the Cabinet signed off on that.

Almost all the Luas projects that have happened have gone through the planning and procurement phase in one five-year cycle and in the second five years they have been constructed and delivered. That is where we need to focus now. We are looking beyond planning and procurement to the potential of the site. It has the potential to unlock more housing in the area, which is crucial.”

When operational, the Finglas Luas project will include an extension of 3.9km of track from Broombridge to Finglas, serving an estimated population of 56,000 by 2035. The project includes four new stops at St. Helena’s, Finglas Village, St Margaret’s Road, and Charlestown. The line will also interchange with bus and additional rail services and St. Margaret’s Road stop will include a 350-vehicle park and ride, close to the M50 and M2 interchange.

-ENDS-