Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady has welcomed indications that plans to extend the Luas to Bray could be underway as soon as 2031, a change from the previous 2042 timeline, but urged Government to finally deliver on the long discussed project.
The comments come after the National Transport Authority stated in a parliamentary reply that the delivery of the Luas Green Line extension to Bray is proposed in the medium term between 2031-2036.
Teachta Brady said:
“I welcome indications that the timeline for the extension of the Luas line to Bray is being brought forward.
“However, these indications will be worthless unless they are matched by real delivery.
“Government opted to omit the expansion from their National Development Plan, 2026-2030, so we must see genuine progress.
“I have long argued that the continued growth of North Wicklow requires the delivery of high-quality public transport infrastructure, such as the extension of the Luas line.
“The need for this improved connectivity is heightened by the significant population growth in the area over recent years.
“This growth is set to continue.
“The Fassaroe area is central to Wicklow's future growth, with the Wicklow County Council masterplan earmarking more than 4,000 new homes in the area.
“This month, Wicklow County Council has secured investment through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund to support the delivery of critical infrastructure needed to unlock this level of housing development.
“The scale of development planned underlines the urgent need to ensure that public transport infrastructure is delivered in tandem with new housing, or already bad congestion on the N11/M11 will worsen.
“In addition, this highlights the urgent need for the €11 million Park and Ride facility at Fassaroe, that is substantially complete but cannot open due to lack of bus services, to be opened and operational without further delay.
“It is critically important that as these new communities are developed over the coming years, public transport, services and amenities are frontloaded rather than playing catch-up.
“The delivery of the Luas extension is central to this and must be delivered by Government.”
ENDS