Nutty objection threatens Luas extension to Finglas

The planned Luas line to Finglas has fallen foul of a nutty objection.

Manhattan Peanuts have objected to the proposed extension of the Luas green line, which would connect Finglas with the existing light rail network.

The Luas to Finglas received government approval in late 2024 and planning permission in October 2025, but now faces an objection from Manhattan Peanuts.

On December 18, Manhattan Peanuts lodged an objection to the High Court about the planned works, stating that the approved plans would remove access to its current entrance on St Margaret’s Road.

Managing Director Don O’Neill said, “our involvement in this legal process does not oppose the Luas extension.”

“Instead, it relates to a very specific and limited concern regarding the scale of land proposed to be taken from our rear yard – land which, in our view, is not required for the delivery or operation of the Luas extension and would result in unnecessary cost to the taxpayer.”

O’Neill said, “we have repeatedly asked TII to reconsider the extent of land acquisition so that Manhattan Peanuts can continue to operate safely and effectively from its existing site, protecting local jobs and the long-term viability of a Finglas-based business that has served the community for almost five decades.”

Local Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe didn’t go nuts at the objection, but rather expressed “deep disappointment” at news of the judicial review.

The Dublin North-West TD bemoaned that the project could potentially be delayed as a result of an objection by a single commercial landowner.

“This is a transformative project that will deliver enormous benefits to our community and to an area of the city that currently has no rail commuting services,” he said.

“The Luas extension to Finglas will improve connectivity, attract investment and support sustainable growth in our area.”

McAuliffe acknowledged that people are allowed to object, but urged all parties involved in the process to “consider the wider public interest.”

He noted that the project was originally identified as a post-2027 development, but has since gone through planning and funding approvals faster than anticipated.

“In my view, it remains a project that can advance ahead of published timelines, something that cannot be said for every major infrastructure scheme.”

The Fianna Fáil TD noted that the project is proceeding faster than the typical Irish infrastructure project, and said it would be a pity for it to lose momentum.

He said that the judicial review is “particularly significant, as it risks delaying a project that is already well-positioned for delivery.”

McAuliffe called on all parties involved in the process to “explore every possible option” and have the judicial review withdrawn.

“The timely delivery of Luas Finglas is vital for our community, and I will continue to advocate strongly for this project to proceed without unnecessary delay,” he said.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien told The Journal he is “anxious” to see the project proceed, saying that the project is “pretty much ready to go.”

Minister O’Brien was hopeful that if the objection is withdrawn, or if an agreement can be reached with Manhattan Peanuts, work could start on the project as soon as 2027.

The Minister noted that the 2027 start date would be three years ahead of schedule, as a date of 2030 is earmarked in the National Development Plan.

While the delivery of the Metrolink is seen as the main objective for Minister O’Brien, a major expansion of the Luas line during this government’s lifetime would be seen as a win for the Minister, and as such, is keen to have a major infrastructure project underway by the next time Ireland goes to the polls in 2029.

Local Green councillor and transport spokesperson Feljin Jose said, “the greater good has to prevail here.”

The Cabra-Glasnevin councillor said, “there are too many similar BusConnects and DART+ projects that have been held up in similar delays.”

As part of the proposed Green line extension to Finglas, a new bridge will be built over the Tolka, and a new bridge will be built at Broombridge to facilitate the works, per government research on the project published in 2021. 

The Green line will be extended by 4km in order to add Finglas to the existing service.

As well as the tram line, the project will provide for improvements to the walking and cycling network in the area, with 1.2km of segregated two-way cycle track and approximately 1.8km of segregated and protected one-way ccle track included in the planning permission.

Once operational, the Finglas Luas project will serve an estimated population of 56,000. 

The proposed route includes four stops at St. Helena’s, Finglas Village, St Margaret’s Road, and Charlestown. 

Green line services were suspended for over 24 hours in mid-December after an electrical fault, with services brought to a halt.

An electrical fault between Broombridge and Upper O’Connell Street resulted in the suspension of Green Line services, adding to further traffic woes in the city.

The forced return to office by major employers has resulted in traffic delays returning to the streets of Dublin after a relative drop during the pandemic era, which highlights the need for expanded public transport services.

Labour TD and transport spokesperson Ciaran Ahern said, “the fact that one Luas line going down can cause such havoc around the city is indicative of how poorly our capital city is served by public transport.”

“With so many people pushed further and further outside of the city, we need to ensure that the outskirts of Dublin are well served with transport options, and that the connection services are reliable when they get into the city centre.”