Line F (Lucan to City Centre)
Q: Will my property be devalued if it is adjacent to Line F?Q: What is the risk of damage to property during construction?Q: Will there be much disruption due to noise and vibration from construction?Q: Are you proposing to demolish any buildings?Q: What are the existing ground conditions like?Q: Will Luas services be interrupted when Line F is being built?Q: What will traffic disruption be like during construction?Q: What will the hours of construction be?Q: Will there be many construction compounds and where will they be?Q: Will mature trees be felled along the route?Q: How big are the stops likely to be?Q: Will I be able to hear and feel the Line F during operations?Q: Will Luas Line F offer interchange with other Light Rail Transport and other transport modes?Q: Where will interchange with bus be provided?Q: Will Line F join with the Luas Red Line?Q: Will P&R be charged or free?Q: Where will P&R be located at Liffey Valley?Q: What are the risks associated with emissions during operations?Q: Can Line F trams run on the Metro West line?Q: Will Line F not just take people off the bus network?Q: Can DART/suburban rail Trains run on Line F?Q: How often will Line F run?Q: Will there be disruption to traffic when Line F is operational?Q: What will be the impact on bus services?Q: Is there a risk of damage to property during operations?Q: Will buses need to be rerouted to accommodate Line F?Q: What will the fares be on Line F?Q: Can I take my bike on Line F?Q: Will there be good security and safety arrangements at stops?Q: Will the stops be manned?Q: Will Line F run 24 hours per day?Q: What will be the ticketing arrangements for Line F?Q: How noisy will the depot operations be?Q: What is the journey time to the City Centre from Lucan?Q: How many people can Line F carry?Q: Is Line F the same gauge as Luas?Q: How will people cross Line F if it runs on the surface?Q: If Line F runs along the existing Luas line will services on the existing line be reduced?Q: Will you be doing an EIS for the project?Q: What is the Outer Ring Road?Q: Will Line F reduce the capacity of the not yet completed Outer Ring Road?Q: Why are so many depots shown?Q: Why cannot Line F use the Metro West or Luas depots?Q: What will the stops look like?Q: What will access be like to stops for people with impaired mobility?Q: What will the Line F trams look like?Q: Will there be many structures adjacent to peoples homes and where will they be?Q: What are the benefits of Line F?Q: How many cars will be taken off the road?Q: Why do we need a tram at all, would a bus service not be cheaper?Q: How much will it cost?Q: How will you ensure that Line F will not overrun on cost or time?Q: Will cost analysis be made public before a decision is made?Q: Can we speed up the timescales for delivering Line F?Q: When will Line F be open?Q: Where do I get more information?
Q: Will my property be devalued if it is adjacent to Line F?
A: Experience from Luas, and other cities where similar systems have been built, suggests that the value of properties close to Line F will actually increase in value once Line F is operational as a direct result of the improvement in the public transport system. This effect is likely to be at its greatest for those properties that are closest to stations.
Q: What is the risk of damage to property during construction?
A: The risk of significant damage to property during construction is extremely low. Surveys will be undertaken, protective measures will be developed for those structures likely to be affected and buildings will be monitored during and for a period after construction.
Q: Will there be much disruption due to noise and vibration from construction?
A: There may be some noise and vibration experienced when construction is taking place. This will however be kept to a minimum and work will generally not be undertaken late at night. Throughout the consultation process, RPA will be listening to and taking into consideration the genuine concerns of residents and businesses and other institutions who may be affected by construction.
Q: Are you proposing to demolish any buildings?
A: The design of the project will endeavour to minimise the need for property acquisition and demolition. There will however be some acquisition and demolition of buildings to facilitate the development of Line F. Certainty on the property impacts will only be gained when the detailed design will be defined. RPA will be in direct contact with affected property owners as soon as it seems likely that property acquisition will be required.
Q: What are the existing ground conditions like?
A: Although there is a considerable amount of information on the ground conditions along the route, more detailed investigation may be required to identify the conditions on the line at specific locations, particularly where structures and heavy engineering works are proposed. Detailed investigation may require the drilling of bore holes to retrieve geological samples in key locations.
Q: Will Luas services be interrupted when Line F is being built?
A: It is intended to keep Luas services running throughout the construction period of Line F.
Q: What will traffic disruption be like during construction?
A: The construction of Line F will cause some disruption due to the need to divert traffic away from the alignment and stop sites while work is in progress, but the work will be staged in sections so far as possible to minimise these effects. RPA will be working closely with the relevant local authorities, the Gardaí, the DTO, the Emergency Services, the bus transport companies and will be consulting with local residents and business to develop traffic management plans aimed at minimising this disruption.
Q: What will the hours of construction be?
A: Some work, particularly where large structures are being erected over railways and major roads, is likely to continue around the clock. This will be in order to reduce possible impact on traffic, to achieve efficiencies and to keep the work safe at all times. The exact duration of works will be considered during the construction phase in consultation with the local residents, local authorities and other stakeholders.
Q: Will there be many construction compounds and where will they be?
A: RPA has not yet determined the location of construction compounds. However, it is likely that there will be a number of construction compounds required along the route finally chosen. RPA will seek to locate these compounds in non residential areas such as green field sites or industrial lands. The compounds will be temporary and on completion of the works, will be reinstated.
Q: Will mature trees be felled along the route?
A: It is possible that a small number of mature trees will have to be cut down. The design of Line F will seek to minimise the impact. Where appropriate and possible, replanting will be considered.
Q: How big are the stops likely to be?
A: The stops will initially be approximately 65 metres long. Each platform will be approximately 3 metres wide, just like Luas.
Q: Will I be able to hear and feel the Line F during operations?
A: Line F will create the same minimal noise and vibration as existing Luas. Minimizing noise and vibration is one of the design objectives for the project.
Q: Will Luas Line F offer interchange with other Light Rail Transport and other transport modes?
A: There are a number of Luas and Metro lines which will have interchange with Line F. These are the existing Luas Red Line, Line BX, Luas Green Line and Metro West and Metro North. Interchange with Irish Rail services will also be provided.
Q: Where will interchange with bus be provided?
A: RPA is liaising closely with Dublin Bus and other bus operators and it is likely that there will be many locations along the Line F route where bus interchange will be provided. The main interchange will be concentrated where large numbers of bus services pass close to or adjacent to the Line F route.
Q: Will Line F join with the Luas Red Line?
A: Line F will join with the Luas Red line near Blackhorse Stop and share the track at least as far as Fatima Stop.
Q: Will P&R be charged or free?
A: P&R will be charged, just like Luas. Although the charge has not yet been decided it is likely to be similar to the current charging on Luas.
Q: Where will P&R be located at Liffey Valley?
A: RPA have identified the potential for P&R at this location. There is currently large surface car parking in the area associated with the shopping centre. RPA would seek to negotiate an agreement to use some of this area for Line F P&R. This is subject to negotiation, agreement and traffic assessment.
Q: What are the risks associated with emissions during operations?
A: There should be no risk of emissions during normal operation. The trams will be electrically powered as will most maintenance equipment.
Q: Can Line F trams run on the Metro West line?
A: Yes. Metro West will be designed to be compatible with the Luas system including Line F to take advantage of the economies and operational flexibility that this will provide.
Q: Will Line F not just take people off the bus network?
A: Some passengers will come from the bus network but a significant proportion will also come from private car and other modes of transport. Line F will offer a real alternative transport mode for trips from Lucan to the city centre.
Q: Can DART/suburban rail Trains run on Line F?
A: No. Line F will operate on a different gauge to the DART network. However excellent interchange may be provided between Line F and Irish Rail service on the Kildare railway line. Once the Interconnector is built these lines will become part of the DART network.
Q: How often will Line F run?
A: Line F will run every few minutes from early in the morning to late in the evening, like the existing Luas. The service is likely to commence at a peak frequency of, one train every four to five minutes and increase as demand builds up.
Q: Will there be disruption to traffic when Line F is operational?
A: It is proposed that Line F as far as possible will be segregated from traffic, and therefore will have minimum disruption on traffic. However, there will places where Line F runs on the highway that existing traffic lanes may be reduced. Where Line F crosses roads at grade, traffic signal control will be used to minimise delays for both modes. The impact is likely to be minimal, similar to Luas.
Q: What will be the impact on bus services?
A: Where bus routes run in parallel or adjacent to Line F some rerouting may be necessary. It is likely that some of these bus passengers will switch to Line F and in some instances it is possible that bus lanes may have to be removed to accommodate Line F. This, however, is subject to detailed engineering design.
Q: Is there a risk of damage to property during operations?
A: Once all civil engineering construction works are complete and the railway is in operation the risks to adjacent properties, structures and utilities is insignificant.
Q: Will buses need to be rerouted to accommodate Line F?
A: Where bus routes run in parallel or adjacent to Line F some rerouting may be necessary. This will be particularly the case where insufficient space exists to facilitate bus, Line F and other road users. The introduction of Line F however, offers the bus companies scope to alter their network to complement the role of the system
Q: What will the fares be on Line F?
A: Line F fares will be set much closer to the time of opening. A full range of products including period passes for regular commuters will be available. Fare levels will reflect the commercial requirements of the system and may attract a small premium over similar journeys on other modes of public transport to reflect the faster journey times and other additional benefits.
Q: Can I take my bike on Line F?
A: No. It is a policy of RPA that all capacity on Luas and Metro is for passengers and not taken up by bicycles. This is the same on DART and suburban rail. Bike racks will be provided at stops however.
Q: Will there be good security and safety arrangements at stops?
A: Line F will be a very secure system for the passengers. The stops will be extensively monitored by means of CCTV and the vehicles will also have on-board cameras to deter unruly behaviour. In both cases the output will be recorded and retained for a while so that it can be used as evidence if required. In addition all vehicles and stops will be patrolled on a regular basis by uniformed staff.
Q: Will the stops be manned?
A: Like Luas, stops will be extensively monitored by CCTV and by other means from a central control room. They will also be visited on a regular basis by mobile staff.
Q: Will Line F run 24 hours per day?
A: Line F will not run for 24 hours per day. It will run from early in the morning until late at night similar to the existing Luas. Luas operates from 05:30 to 00:30 each weekday.
Q: What will be the ticketing arrangements for Line F?
A: Details of ticketing arrangements are yet to be finalised but the concept is expected to be similar to the existing Luas with open stops and ticketing via smartcards and self-service vending machines.
Q: How noisy will the depot operations be?
A: The depot operations will produce a similar noise level to the existing Luas depots at Sandyford and Red Cow. Key maintenance activities will be carried out within enclosed workshops which will contain most of the noise involved.
Q: What is the journey time to the City Centre from Lucan?
A: The journey time from Lucan to the City Centre is likely to be approximately 45 minutes.
Q: How many people can Line F carry?
A: Line F will be designed to carry similar volumes of passengers as existing Luas.
Q: Is Line F the same gauge as Luas?
A: Yes. All Metro and Luas lines will be the same gauge to allow future interoperability.
Q: How will people cross Line F if it runs on the surface?
A: Line F will operate on the surface in much the same manner as the existing Luas. This means that in some sections pedestrians will be able to cross the track when it is safe to do so. Such locations will be where specific crossing points are provided, at all stops, and where the track has been constructed through a pedestrian friendly area.
Q: If Line F runs along the existing Luas line will services on the existing line be reduced?
A: Line F will share sections of the existing Luas Red Line. It is currently anticipated that the services on the Luas Red Line will not be reduced as a result of this sharing. This, however, is subject to detailed assessment and will be a consideration when determining the final route.
Q: Will you be doing an EIS for the project?
A: As part of making a decision on the final route, RPA and its independent advisors carried out an environmental assessment of each route option. A full Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for the preferred route.
Q: What is the Outer Ring Road?
A: The Outer Ring Road (ORR)is a new high capacity road being developed by South Dublin County Council to connect the N81 (Tallaght by-pass) to the N4 (Lucan by-pass). When completed it will run from Cheeverstown road to the Woodies Interchange on the N4 via Grange Castle and Ballyowen Road. The section from Kingswood to Ballyowen is now open. The ORR is not the DOOR (Dublin Outer Orbital Road) Drogheda-Navan-Naas.
Q: Will Line F reduce the capacity of the not yet completed Outer Ring Road?
A: It is currently anticipated that the capacity of the Outer Ring Road will not be substantially affected by Line F. For some of the route the reallocation of bus lanes to accommodate Line F may be required.
Q: Why are so many depots shown?
A: It is possible that Line F will need a new depot. Only one depot will be required but RPA have investigated a number of possible sites. If Line F does require a depot only one will be chosen.
Q: Why cannot Line F use the Metro West or Luas depots?
A: It is possible that Line F will be able to use part of the existing Luas Red Cow depot or the proposed new Metro West depot. This is being assessed by RPA. If this is not possible one of the identified sites will be chosen.
Q: What will the stops look like?
A: The final look of the stops is the subject on ongoing detailed design work, but it is likely to be based on the existing Luas stop design. The stops will have a modern, bright, open, safe look to them much like Luas.
Q: What will access be like to stops for people with impaired mobility?
A: There will be full accessibility to all stops with such features as low level platforms, ramps, tactile paving, signage and low floor trams similar to existing Luas. Full consultation will take place to ensure that the best solution for mobility impaired passengers is utilised.
Q: What will the Line F trams look like?
A: The Line F trams will have a sleek modern appearance. In many respects they will be similar to the existing Luas units except that they will be slightly longer (53m). They will be user-friendly low floor units and designed for ease of access with level boarding. They will have a large number of doors for speedy loading and unloading.
Q: Will there be many structures adjacent to peoples homes and where will they be?
A: It is not currently envisioned that there will be significant sections of elevated structures on any of the Line F route. Areas where structures might be considered are: - N4 Lucan Bypass - M50 Motorway - Naas Road - Over the canals and railway lines.
Q: What are the benefits of Line F?
A:
Line F passengers will spend a lot less time commuting every day
Line F will offer a frequent, fast and reliable service for commuters. The journey time from Lucan to the City Centre will be about 45 minutes. As with existing Luas, Line F passengers will not have to worry about timetables – peak time services will run initially every 4 to 5 minutes.
Line F will allow Lucan to fulfil its potential
Lucan has seen some of the most intense growth in housing and other development in the last decades. This has resulted in large demand for travel to and from and within the area and is currently more than the current road and car parking infrastructure can cope with. Line F, offering available journey time, that will become an attractive alternative to those now stuck in the increasing congestion in that part of Dublin.
Line F will attract large numbers of passengers from cars
While Line F will naturally attract people already using other forms of public transport, Line F will remove considerable volumes of car journeys from the road network each year. Park & Ride sites at a strategic location such as Liffey Valley in addition to existing P&R at Luas and Metro North and West will encourage car drivers from beyond the Line F catchment area to transfer. Fewer car journeys can also contribute to fewer accidents on the road. Preliminary forecast suggest that Line F may carry up to 25 million passengers per year depending on the alignment chosen. More than half of these are forecast to come from car.
Line F will have positive environmental benefits
The decrease in road traffic as a result of Line F will reduce air pollution, noise and vibration from road traffic. By reducing the amount of car traffic, Line F will result in a reduction in the number of accidents and injuries caused on the highway.
Line F will contribute to urban and suburban development
Line F can be a catalyst for urban and suburban regeneration similarly to the experience on Luas. Investment will be attracted into the areas served by Line F and new commercial and service facilities will be developed. The construction of Line F can contribute to the renewal of local areas through careful integration of the Line F infrastructure with the local environment and high quality landscaping.
Q: How many cars will be taken off the road?
A: It is envisaged that Line F could take up to 15 million car journeys a year off the road. Benefits Will Line F relieve congestion on the N4? Line F will offer current users of the N4 an alternative means of travelling between Lucan and the Western towns of Dublin to the City Centre. Some of these N4 users will choose Line F which will have some impact on congestion.
Q: Why do we need a tram at all, would a bus service not be cheaper?
A: A bus service whilst cheaper would not provide the high levels of service required to accommodate the projected passenger demand
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Subject to an assessment of its eligibility, according to Government guidelines, Luas Line F will be procured as a public private partnership, funded through annual availability payments, over a period of approximately 30 years. The first availability payment is not made until Line F opens for passenger service. The capital cost remains commercially sensitive in advance of the public procurement process. The cost of the project will be a key consideration in the route selection process, the development of a business case and the decision to proceed with the project.
Q: How will you ensure that Line F will not overrun on cost or time?
A: Subject to an assessment of its eligibility, according to Government guidelines, Line F will be procured as a public private partnership which entails the transfer of cost and time overrun risks to the private sector. Payment for Line F is contingent upon the railway being operational. The fact that the private sector partner is funding the construction and only starts recovering its investment when Line F is operational, provides a strong incentive to deliver on time and to budget.
Q: Will cost analysis be made public before a decision is made?
A: Cost is a key consideration in determining the final route for Line F. Value for money and cost benefit analysis are factors which will influence the final decision on the route and indeed the decision to proceed with the project. Dept of Finance Guidelines now require that the Public Sector Benchmark in PPPs, and any important elements thereof, be kept confidential. Therefore, cost estimates will not be made publicly available prior to completion of the tendering process.
Q: Can we speed up the timescales for delivering Line F?
A: There is a considerable amount of work to do before construction starts. RPA must prepare a business case for the final selected route and then develop a detailed Railway Order application, which will include the design of the Line F route and stops and an Environmental Impact Statement on the preferred route. An oral hearing will be held to consider the application. In addition to getting a Railway Order, RPA must run a competition to select a PPP concessionaire to finance, build and maintain Line F. This is a complex transaction, covering not just the construction phase but the 30 year operating period, which will take some time to tender and negotiate.
Q: When will Line F be open?
A: RPA expects receive an enforceable Railway Order in 2011. The construction, testing and commissioning of the works will then take approximately four years.
Q: Where do I get more information?
A: More information is available from the RPA and Luas website or by using the freefone number below:
www.luas.ie
www.rpa.ie
Tel: 1800 67 64 64
Email:info@rpa.ie