Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:121. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport to provide an updated timeline of construction for the Luas Finglas extension project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2876/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 January 2026
Ceisteanna (121)
Freagraí scríofa
Luas Finglas is an ambitious and exciting project that has the potential to transform Finglas and the wider area for those who live and who work there.
In 2024, the Government provided approval for the Preliminary Business Case at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines, which allowed the project to enter the planning system. In November that year Transport Infrastructure Ireland submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála, including a full Environmental Impact Statement and scheme preliminary design. Last October, An Coimisiún Pleanála granted the Railway Order, with conditions.
Regarding the current status, I can advise that three separate judicial review applications have been submitted on the project and this is under examination.
Turning to the future of the project, the Deputy may be aware that Luas Finglas is one of the four light rail proposals identified for development and delivery within the lifetime of the NTA Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042. The project is identified in the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport as part of the National Development Plan Review. Specifically, under the Sectoral Investment Plan, the main construction works will commence by 2029, though some enabling works may commence beforehand.
I understand that the project team is currently preparing for future phases of the project, including the drafting of tender documents for future consultants, future construction contract documents, and enabling works contracts.
I look forward to seeing Luas Finglas progress. It will create a new high-capacity, frequent and speedy public transport connection not only for communities in the immediate area but also for those interchanging with DART+, BusConnects, and the new Park & Ride - and it is a priority for construction to start during the term of this Government.