Transport Infrastructure Ireland has unveiled ambitious plans to dramatically expand Dublin’s Luas network by 2050, including two new circular lines on the outskirts of the city centre and connections to major suburban areas.
The Luas 2050 vision proposes new lines to Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Balgriffin, and Clongriffin, alongside the circular routes and an orbital line beyond the M50 motorway. The expansion aims to address capacity issues plaguing the current network.
An internal TII presentation revealed the Red Line is already running “at or over capacity,” with insufficient trams serving the route between Dublin’s Docklands and Tallaght. The document highlighted constraints in increasing services due to safety concerns at busy junctions shared with car traffic.
TII rejected longer 55-metre trams as a solution, citing slower speeds and safety risks on shared road sections. Instead, officials recommended adding more standard-length vehicles to boost capacity.
One proposed circular line would connect Finglas to DCU, through Drumcondra along Griffith Avenue, and continue to Marino and Fairview. The plan also includes potential connections to UCD and a Bray extension starting between 2028 and 2030.
The Green Line currently has adequate short-term capacity, though some service increases are planned using the existing fleet. However, depot constraints pose challenges, with the main Sandyford facility unable to expand due to land limitations.
TII’s strategy involves launching a new Luas project every one to two years from 2029, with immediate priorities including the Poolbeg extension and efficiency studies of existing lines.