Luas Central – Which Route?

But on the Westland Row route, while I fully welcome the idea if the ‘rumour’ proves to be correct, how is the equally difficult planning problem of the height of Pearse Station bridge to be overcome?
Is half of Westland Row to be dropped by a metre?

Where is the perceived need for this extra metre clearance coming from? Luas already passes under the loopline at Beresford Place (clearance – 5m). Westland Row has a 4.93m clearance – a whole 7cm difference. There is no difficulty with Luas passing under the Westland Row Bridge at the current street level.

Double-decker buses can travel under it… I don’t see why the LUAS can’t. Probably a safety issue for minimum clearance. I would’t like to see Westland Row lowered, I think it would spoil the street somewhat.

@INM wrote:

Metro line key feature of new transport plans

THE Metro rail line, linking Dublin city with the airport, is definitely going ahead, the Government will announce tomorrow.

A 10-year transport plan for the nation, to be unveiled at Dublin Castle, will also see an interconnector between Heuston and Connolly stations, and there will be a new docklands train station.

The Irish Independent has learned details of the huge investment plan for road and rail, especially in the Dublin region.

The framework for investment over the next decade involves particular commitments:

* An estimated &#8364]

* €1bn to be invested on an interconnector rail link between Heuston and Connolly stations, and linking all mainline and Dart services.

* The €600m completion of the Eastern bypass.

* A new train station and spur line at Spencer Dock.

* Significant upgrading of the Maynooth line.

* €1bn a year, every year, for the completion of major road projects.

The 10-year transport plan has been the most closely guarded secret in government for years.

Unveiling it tomorrow, the Taoiseach will conjure up a vision of easy commuting in the future through the planning of investment now.

He and senior ministers see the integrated concept as the major plank of their case for an historic third consecutive term in government, with an implied risk to the delivery of the plan if the voters should break with the ruling Coalition.

And the Government is expected to counter political flak over the heavy investment in transport infrastructure in the capital – cockpit of the next general election – by announcing a series of smaller projects around the country, including the refurbishment of the Western rail corridor.

Some sections of this line, which formerly ran from Sligo to Limerick, are likely to be re-opened. A necklace of road projects will relieve traffic bottlenecks elsewhere.

AMBITIOUS

But the main focus of the blueprint remains on Dublin in what is described as “the most ambitious transport plan in the history of the State”.

The metro service from the city centre to the airport will take a route that services Dorset Street and Dublin City University, according to the plans.

The interconnector between Heuston and Connolly stations will be located entirely on the south side of the river Liffey – instead of consisting of a loop running along both banks, as had been previously envisaged.

A feasibility study into the “M50’s big brother” is further expected to recommend the beginning of construction on the so-called outer orbital route. This will place a new C-ring motorway outside the existing M50, enabling motorists to travel from Drogheda to Wicklow via Naas.

The upgrading of the Maynooth line, plagued by a lack of capacity, has long been expected. What is not yet clear is the Government’s intentions in relation to Dublin Bus, which says it has been starved of resources for its fleet.

The Government has asked the company to outline how it can operate a more efficient service, with the widespread operation of private buses on city routes under active consideration.

Senan Molony
Political Correspondent

Roll on Tomorrow so that the above can be clarified

i really do hope they finally go ahead with that metro. they have been putting it off for far too long now.

The most over announced story in history! Keep in mind that the plan is from 2007….meaning that you have to vote the arseholes back in if you want to see all your shiny metros and luas entensions. And if the alterbative get in sure we’ll have to reassess the plans then…to suit changing needs. Bullshit. Martin Cullen ihas to be the most ineffectual minister ever. Still no sign of integrated ticketing… announced by Lowry in 1996. No doubt it is part of the PLAN!

Hmmmm…….I think the Luas should wrap around the corner of Stephen’s green, down Merrion Row, swing left into Upper Merrion St, past the Government Buildings and the National Gallery, down Westland Row (and link with Pearse St.) and pretty much run under the DART line to link additionally with Tara St. and onto Connolly Station. College Green is too congested as it is. The O’Connell St. – Grafton St. access is the main spine of Dublin, so I think all Dublin’s eggs should be put in one basket. I’m sure the lands under the DART line are owned by CIE, so easy and cheap to redevelop. The proposed route would run past some of Dublin’s most magnificent buildings and squares and would link up with the DART line in 3 places. I think it would serve to develop the lands north of Pearse St, along Townsend St and on to the Quays. Any comments??

actually the news website I got that from seems to have changed its mind and is now saying two metros, one to the airport linking dcu etc, another to west dublin. i don’t know, i guess it will be clear in a few hours.

So according to the Post, the leading contender for this is the Westmoreland street route but the main contender is Westland Row, Pearse and a new bridge to Marlboro Street. I guess the object people raise is the Westland Row bridge, but ignoring that, this seems like a much better route, no digging up O’Connell Street, no wires getting in the way of this and College Green, a chance to rejuvanate Marlboro Street and a new pedestrian route across the river.

@Frank Taylor wrote:

Marlboro Lights Rail Street

:rolleyes: 😀