Luas Docklands - Red Line Extension
Luas Docklands Launch
The Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., opened the new Luas Docklands (Line C1) extension today (8th December 2009). The official opening was also attended by Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello and local representatives, local residents, industry representatives and other key stakeholders. The opening event was held in the National College of Ireland at the new Mayor Square /NCI Luas Stop.
Public Consultation for Luas Line C1 was launched in January 2001. This focused initially on proposals for a line which would extend the existing Luas Red Line from Busaras and Connolly east through Docklands to the proposed Point Village. The route for Luas Line C1 was announced in November 2003.The new route provided for stops at George’s Dock, Mayor Square, Spencer Dock and The Point. RPA submitted a Railway Order Application for this extension on 1st December 2005 which was followed by a Public Inquiry in May 2006. This Order became effective in February 2007 and construction work started shortly thereafter.RPA is pleased to note that the new line has been delivered within the agreed timeframe and within budget.
It is expected that the new 1.5km line will add 1.8 million passenger journeys to the Luas network in 2010 and is a key component of the Government’s Transport 21 programme. The cost of the Docklands extension is €90m and a list of key contractors is included at the end of this release.(Appendix A).
Journey time from The Point to Tallaght is 52 minutes. Journey time from Busaras to The Point is 6.5 minutes. Trams will run from The Point to Tallaght every 6.5 minutes at peak times (7.00am-10.00am and 4.00pm -7.00pm) and every 8 minutes at all other times. It is anticipated that 2 out of every 3 trams will be going directly from Tallaght to the Point.
RPA Chief Executive, Mr. Frank Allen, said that he was delighted that the first new extension to Luas is ready to go into service. Mr. Allen said that although many people in the IFSC had misgivings about building a light rail through the heart of a financial services and were concerned about possible interruptions to critical services that by and large these concerns and misgivings were well managed. “Building infrastructure in a complex urban environment, within approved budgets and within programme, can only be done if we achieve a genuine partnership with the people affected by the construction and who will benefit from its completion. This afternoon we are joined for our celebration by many of our partners who have worked so hard with us to plan and implement the project”, said Mr. Allen. He thanked all those who had engaged with RPA during construction. Mr. Allen continued, “I should also acknowledge my own colleagues, our partners in DDDA and DCC, and our contractors, who all ensured that we honoured the commitments made by RPA when we applied for permission to build this line”.
Click here to view or download Luas Docklands Launch Press Release
Luas Docklands, the extension of the Luas Red Line to The Point opened for passenger services on Tuesday 8th December 2009 at 3pm. To mark the historical arrival of the iconic Luas to the Docklands RPA invited the public to join in the celebrations with a host of free events.
All travel in the new Luas Docklands Zone was free to the general public on Tuesday 8th December 2009 from 3pm. Free travel is between the four new stops at George’s Dock, Mayor Square – NCI, Spencer Dock and The Point. Full operational services of Luas Docklands Red Line Extension started at 5.30am on Wednesday 9th December 2009.
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George's Dock - 12 Days of Christmas Market, Face Painters, Ballon Modelling, Dublin Gospel Choir and Stilt Walkers.
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Mayor Square/NCI - Black Raven Pipe Band, Stilt Walkers, Writer's Dinner and screening of U2's Rattle & Hum.
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Spencer Dock - Santa and His Elves on a Vintage Tram and Children's Disco.
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The Point - Dancers, Singers, Performing Arts Workshops and Live Entertainment.
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On Luas - Free Trips on Luas Red Line on 8th December from 3pm to 00.30am and Carol Singers
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On All Docklands Stops - Kick Up The Recession Arts for Positive Action
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City Wide - Dublin City Family Day
Click here to view or download Luas Docklands Free Events Calendar and Events Map
Click here to listen or download Luas Docklands Pre-Event Launch Radio Advertisement
Passengers availing of the free Luas Docklands service on 8th December 2009 where entertained along the line by a host of entertainers.
Luas Docklands - Red Line Extension
Luas Docklands Red Line Extension (Line C1) is the extension of the existing Luas Red Line (Connolly - Tallaght) from Busáras to The Point. The line serves the IFSC and the area east of the Royal Canal concluding at The Point.
Construction of this line is now complete. Passenger services began on 8th December 2009.
Stops are provided at George’s Dock, Mayor Square, Spencer Dock and The Point. The line links with the Luas Red Line between the Busárus and Connolly Stops. Journey time from Busáras Stop to The Point Stop will be approximately 7 minutes.
Only three years after the granting of the Railway Order in December 2006, Luas Docklands will be ready for full public service in December 2009.
Regular Luas Red Line Services to The Point
The extension of the Luas Red Line from Busáras to The Point started regular services at 5.30am on Wednesday 9th December 2009.
Click here to read or download details of the new Operating Hours, Service Frequency and Fares effective from 9th December 2009
Click here to view or download Luas Red and Green Line Stop and Zone Map
Click here to read more about the Red Line extension, Luas Docklands (Line C1)
Click here to view or download Luas Docklands (Line C1) Construction Update No.25
Luas Docklands Red Line Extension (Line C1) is part of the Government's Transport 21 investment programme.
Luas Docklands Red Line Extension (Line C1) is an important part of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority’s Master Plan.