Harcourt line sees train for first time in 50 years

Testing of the new Luas system in Dublin this morning saw trains on a section of rail which has been idle for more than 50 years.

Safety and engineering tests are being conducted on the Sandyford-Beechwood section of the Sandyford to St Stephen's Green Luas line. The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, inspected the first of the "live" tests in Dundrum this morning.

The testing involves bringing a Luas tram along a section of what was the old Harcourt Street route including the new cable-stayed Taney bridge in Dundrum and the historic Nine Arches Viaduct at Milltown.

Steam trains were a common sight along this section of track before the famous route was controversially closed in December 1958. The 9-kilometre long Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line is due to open in June.

Mr Brennan said there was a great "sense of anticipation and excitement" ahead of the launch of the service and predicted it would be an "undoubted success" which would "further enhance Dublin's reputation as one of Europe's most progressive and cosmopolitan cities."

The route will have 13 stops and the full journey will take 22 minutes. Each tram has a capacity of 310 people and a train is planned for every 5 minutes during peak times.

Mr Brennan called on the public to participate in a competition that will be held over the coming months to name the bridge at Taney, Dundrum. The competition to name the award winning bridge will be overseen by the Railway Procurement Agency and details will shortly be announced.