Investigation after LUAS tram derails in testing

An investigation is under way today after a LUAS tram derailed during a test run on the Sandyford line.

An investigation is under way today after a LUAS tram derailed during a test run on the Sandyford line.

The incident occurred during a shunting procedure at an crossover facility in Ranalegh at around noon yesterday.

Mr Ger Hannon, director of corporate affairs for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA),  told ireland.comthe tram was operating under test conditions and that the shunting procedure takes place without passengers on board.

Mr Hannon said the tram was only moving at a speed of three kilometres per hour when its wheels slipped off the rail. The carriage remained "upright and stable" and was put back up on the tracks within an hour.

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Mr Hannon described the incident as "minor", saying the company wanted to dispel the notion that the tram derailed at high speed while entering the station.

The nine-kilometre long Sandyford-to-St. Stephen's Green line is due to open in June. It 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 five minutes during peak times.