BRINGING THE LUAS TO BROOMBRIDGE STATION

1st February, 2012

WHAT IS LUAS BROOMBRIDGE?

LUAS Broombridge is a proposed 5.6km extension of the LUAS network which will connect St. Stephen’s Green with Cabra.  This project represents the next phase in integrating Dublin’s light rail network.  LUAS Broombridge will see new stops constructed to serve local communities in Broadstone, Phibsborough, Cabra and Broombridge.  This project is one of the most important recently undertaken in the city of Dublin and it will create huge benefits and opportunities for our local community.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF LUAS BROOMBRIDGE?

The Rail Procurement Agency lodged a draft Railway Order application with An Bord Pleanala in June 2010.  This process included an oral hearing where local residents availed of the opportunity to express their views on the impact of the project on the local community.  Following the conclusion of the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanala wrote to the Rail Procurement Agency seeking additional information on a number of outstanding matters which is to be responded to before March 30th next.  A final decision on whether a railway order is granted will not be known until after this additional information is examined.

 

SHOULD A RAILWAY ORDER BE APPROVED, WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

If An Bord Pleanala approve a railway order allowing this project to proceed to construction phase, the Rail Procurement Agency will have to undertake a number of measures.  These include updating the Business Plan as well as finalising the process of how this project will be delivered, including timelines, procurement policy and funding arrangements.

 

IS FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF LUAS BROOMBRIDGE?

The Capital Investment Programme 2012 – 2016 announced by the Government prior to Christmas contains a commitment to funding LUAS Broombridge.  The Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD has informed me that his Department has sufficient funding to allow for the main construction works to proceed from 2015.  There are however a significant amount of pre-construction works requiring completion throughout 2013 and 2014.  Funding has also been allocated by the Minister to ensure these works can proceed upon planning approval by An Bord Pleanala.  Assuming that these timelines are achieved, I expect LUAS Broombridge to open for passengers by 2017.

 

IMPACT OF LUAS BROOMBRIDGE?

During the oral hearing process, An Bord Pleanala considered a number of submissions from local residents in respect of the impact of this project on the local community.  Much of the focus of these submissions centred on:

  • Potential land-take from residential gardens on the Cabra Road & Mount Bernard Park.
  • The permanent loss of the green space behind homes on St. Attracta Road.
  • Effective management of mitigation measures including hours of work, traffic management plans, noise and vibration levels, etc.

Following the review of additional information which has been sought by the Board, I expect these issues to be dealt with in any approved railway order.

 

Councillor Mary O’Shea and I welcome the decision taken by our Fine Gael-led Government to fund this essential infrastructural project.  LUAS Broombridge will create significant long-term benefits for our local community but let me assure you that we will work to ensure that concerns of local residents about the construction phase of the project are adequately addressed before works begin.