With 35-stops and covering approximately 19km from the South of Dublin (Brides Glen) to the city centre, the existing Luas (tram) Green Line connects, decongests and integrates the city. Carrying a record 50 million passengers in 2024, the city’s Luas system is a heavily relied-upon mode of public transport. Egis were part of the design team for the original Luas, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024.
Egis was appointed in December 2020 to develop a proposed extension to the Luas Green Line through the Preliminary Design stage (now 100% complete) and Statutory Process stages in a contract extending to 2025 with an anticipated Railway Order - or planning permission – submission and public consultation events.
The proposed new Luas extension will stretch over approximately 4km between Broombridge and Charlestown creating greater accessibility to and from the North-West boundary of the city The aim of this project is ultimately to serve existing and future transport demand whilst providing a safe, frequent, reliable, efficient and sustainable public transport connection.
Developing and constructing this project in an already developed city presents significant challenges. Complexities include multiple stakeholder engagements and consideration for existing infrastructure, environmental & ecological impact assessment, public & private liaison, and the overall integration with the city & client’s objectives makes this project both challenging and rewarding.
The proposed new route starts at Broombridge, connecting with the existing rail line and the Green Line terminal. From there, it ascends over the Royal Canal via a new bridge and elevated track, turning north towards Tolka Valley Public Park before proceeding in the direction of the four new proposed stops.
Navigating through a congested urban environment, this route faces challenging terrain that requires the construction of two new bridges and several road and junction enhancements. It incorporates both elevated and ground-level tracks while considering the impact on local parks, businesses, archaeological sites, and residential areas. Our design not only addresses these challenges but transforms them into opportunities. We aim to create active travel routes incorporating footpaths and cycleways, improve access to local businesses and schools, enhance the local area and biodiversity within it, and provide broader connectivity with other modes of public transport.
