NTA publishes €25 billion transport plan for Dublin
Gary Ibbotson 01 Feb 2023The National Transport Authority (NTA) has published a €25 billion plan for the development of transport infrastructure for the greater Dublin area over the next 20 years.
The plan, which went to public consultation back in January 2022, outlines the NTA’s investment up to 2042.
The plan includes the development of four Luas lines, to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg, and Bray, as well as the Metrolink and Navan rail lines.
However, other large scale city projects have been omitted from the scheme.
The planning for the earmarked Luas routes to Tallaght/Kimmage, Tallaght/Knocklyon, and UCD/Sandyford as well as lines to Tyrellstown, Balgriffin, Blanchardstown, Clongriffin, and
Clondalkin will begin within the lifetime of the 20 year plan, but construction is only expected to begin after 2042.
The long-promised Dart underground line which will link Heuston Station to the Dart by tunnelling under the city via St Stephen’s Green has also been excluded but the NTA says it is committed to “preserve and protect an alignment to allow its future delivery.”
The final plan also includes the revision of some timelines, with the Metrolink and the Luas lines to Finglas, Lucan, and Bray, as well as the Navan rail line expected to be completed between 2031 and 2036.
The Poolbeg Luas line has been listed as a long-term project and is due to be delivered between 2037 and 2042.
The plan also says that additional metro lines may be included in future transport strategies which are drafted every six years.
It says that “previously considered options to extend Metrolink southwards towards UCD, or along the existing Luas Green Line, or towards South West Dublin,” may be developed.
Last summer the cabinet approved a €9.5 billion proposal for the fully automated underground train system.
The line will be 19.4 km in length and when fully operational will be capable of carrying up to 20,000 passengers and serving 16 stations across Dublin.
Although the NTA’s strategy largely focuses on the improvement of the rail network, it also aims to expand bus services, cycling infrastructure, and roads.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said the strategy is “a really significant plan for the country’s capital and the surrounding counties”.
When delivered it would “bring back the sort of comprehensive rail network we had at the start of the last century – but it will be cleaner, faster and better value for money” he said.