Press Release for launch of Luas Line to Citywest

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 10^TH FEBRUARY 2009

New Luas link to Citywest launched in Tallaght.

An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. was in Tallaght yesterday - Monday 9^th February - to launch the start of the new Luas link to Citywest and Saggart in the presence of the Mayor Marie Corr. The Luas line A1 will extend the existing Luas Red Line from Belgard to Saggart and include 5 new stops, 2 new substations, a 300 space park and ride and 8 new trams. The new line is being developed through a partnership between the public and private sectors Railway Procurement Agency RPA and Citywest Luas Ltd (CLL). Passenger services will start in early 2011. It is estimated that the new line will carry up to 5 million passengers each year.

South Dublin County Councils Mayor Marie Corr welcomed the start of the new A1 Luas Line and said, This of course will be a tremendous boost to Tallaght and its environs both from a transportation perspective and also from an economical perspective. And she stated This development is very much in line with South Dublin County Councils Transportation Policy and its Mobility Plan which are centred on the provision of good public transport systems including Quality Bus Corridors, Cycle Lanes, upgrading the current Road Network, Intelligent Transport Systems and Travel Demand Management.

Luas Citywest Line A1 is a key project within Transport 21.

ENDS

Issued 10^th February 2009