Tallaght Luas line to end at Connolly due to objections

CIE Plans to demolish the ramp at Connolly Station to provide a new terminus for the Luas light rail line from Tallaght. The proposal is included in an amended scheme submitted to the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke.

An earlier plan to locate the terminus at Harbourmaster Place, within the International Financial Services Centre on the Custom House Docks site, was vetoed last January following a public inquiry.

Residents of nearby apartments had strongly objected to this scheme, claiming that it would attract "low life" into the area, generate noise and bustle, and turn them into "prisoners in our own homes".

Their case was upheld by the Luas inquiry inspector, Judge Sean O'Leary, who recommended in his report that the CIE project team should devise a more acceptable location for the terminus.

As a result, CIE received ministerial approval only for the stretch of line between Middle Abbey Street and Busaras in Store Street - and even this was contingent on proposing an alternative terminus.

Under the revised plan now being put forward, Luas trams would cross Amiens Street from Store Street to terminate at the southern entrance to Connolly Station under a series of sail-like canopies.

The proposal involves the demolition and removal of the existing ramp and its limestone walls to free a land area of 2,500 square metres (26,900 square feet) for the construction of a Luas station at street level.

A low retaining wall approximately one metre in height, and a high iron railing of "high-quality design and suitably proportioned", are to be erected along the boundary with Harbourmaster Place, to the east.

According to the environmental impact statement prepared for CIE by McHugh Consultants, the demolition and removal of the ramp would be in line with the proper planning and development of the area.

Among its advantages, apart from providing a safe and efficient Luas terminus at Connolly, would be the creation of a new public square that would open up the IFSC site to the rest of the city centre, the EIS says.

"By removing the physical and visual barriers, the permeability of the space would be improved, making the whole area more attractive, safe and secure." It would also increase daylight in Harbour master Place.

The proposal also offered an opportunity to make a "bold architectural statement" through the canopy structure, which would create "a focus of visual interest both during the day and at night when illuminated".

A "scissors crossover" would be provided to allow trams to enter and leave in both directions; this would also permit the Tallaght Luas line to be extended into the Docklands area.