Luas offer welcomed

A NORTHSIDE councillor has welcomed news of an offer for some journeys on the new Luas Cross City service. 

The National Transport Authority (NTA) announced the introduction of a Luas Cross City Introductory Luas Leap Card Off Peak fare. 

These fares are due to be available from the opening of Luas Cross City for a period of one year. This fare will cost €1 for an adult or student and 50 cent for a child. 

The fare will apply to travel between Parnell to the North, St Stephen's Green to the South, Jervis to the West and Busáras/Connolly/George's Dock to the East. 

This fare will be available during new off peak hours introduced by the National Transport Authority.

North Inner City councillor Nial Ring (Ind) said: "Dublin Town/BIDS (Business Improvement Districts), of which I am a board member, has lobbied the NTA for a special cross city fare. 

“Myself and my fellow North Inner City councillors have also requested the National Transport Authority (NTA) to recognise the major disruption in the city centre by giving something back to Dubliners.

"We all recognised that the work had to be done and traders, customers, tourists, cyclists, buses and motorists all put up with the disruption for the past four and a half years without complaining too much.

"The NTA and Luas cross city were excellent in keeping all stakeholders informed of the disruptions in advance, as well as progress on the project and for some time have signalled early December as the completion date of the works and commencement date of the new service, which is going to happen.”

Cllr Ring added: "This special fare is most welcome and is rightly seen as a thank you to Dubliners from the NTA and Luas for their co-operation, patience and endurance over the past four and a half years.”

The, business group Dublin Chamber also welcomed the announcement.

Dublin Chamber Head of Public Affairs, Graeme McQueen, said: “City centre businesses have been hit hard by the Luas works over the past four years. 

“A perception has grown that Dublin city centre was a no-go area due to the works and sales have taken a hit as a result.”  

Mr McQueen added: “Introducing a flat €1 fare will help encourage people to visit the city and to use the Luas to move around."