Luas network at risk from underground work
PLANNERS have raised concerns that large parts of Dublin's Luas network will have to be taken out of service if an underground railway system goes ahead, writes Paul Melia.
Plans to link the capital's two Luas lines could be further delayed after An Bord Pleanala yesterday sought details of how three underground stations could be built without impacting massively on the tram service.
Last November, the Government confirmed that the capital's cross-city Luas line would be the only 'big ticket' project to go ahead in the next five years.
The Metro North and Dart Underground have been postponed.
The 5.6km BXD Luas line will run from the terminus of the green line at St Stephen's Green to O'Connell Street. But the line runs over three underground stations -- or 'boxes' -- to serve the proposed DART Underground and Metro North.
The board has asked the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), which is planning BXD, to give details on how the boxes could be constructed without impacting on the tram service. The RPA and National Transport Authority have been asked to respond by March 30.
Irish Independent
