March 2007

The following developments took place in March:

LUAS

Tram extensions for Luas

The first two modules for the 10 metre extensions of the Luas trams on the Red (Tallaght) Line were delivered to the RPA from the manufacturer, Alstom. All 26 trams on the Red line will be extended from 30 metres to 40 metres, providing a 40% increase in capacity. The first of the extended trams will enter service on the Red line in May 2007 and the remainder will be rolled out at intervals up to the Summer of 2008.

METRO

Metro North

The RPA published notices in the Official Journal of the European Union inviting expressions of interest from infrastructure contractors, rolling stock suppliers and candidates interested in developing and operating the proposed Metro North line as a public private partnership. Following evaluations of the responses to these notices, the RPA will establish panels of qualified candidates for the subsequent tender phase of the process.

HEAVY RAIL

Docklands station opened

An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, opened the new Docklands station on 12 March 2007. The opening of this station has facilitated the operation of 15 additional services to and from the West Dublin Area.

Further 33 Intercity railcars approved

On 2 March 2007 Minister for Transport announced that the Government had approved funding of €78 million for an additional 33 new Intercity railcars. This brings to 183 the total number of new railcars ordered by Iarnród Éireann for operation on Intercity routes. The additional 33 railcars will be used to service Portlaoise, Carlow and Athlone.

First 12 of 183 Railcars delivered

The first 12 of the 183 new railcars were delivered on 6 March 2007. After a period of testing and commissioning they are set to begin service in Autumn 2007 and will run on the Sligo/Dublin and Rosslare/Dublin routes.

BUSES

Tralee Bus Station

The Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, opened Tralee’s new two-storey, fully accessible bus station on 26 February 2007. At a cost of €1.8 million this new facility will be in a position to cater for the 5% increase in passenger growth expected each year.