The proposed light rail system between Middle Abbey Street and Tallaght would not be the first time Tallaght has been served by tram. The Dublin and Blessington Steam Tramway ran from Terenure, where it linked with the city's horse tram system, to Blessington via Tallaght village from August 1st, 1888. In 1896 an extension of the line to Poulaphouca was opened. The steam-powered trams could reach up to 40 mph on level track. With the introduction of bus competition in the 1920s the commercial viability of the tramway was undermined and in December 1932 the Dublin and Blessington Tramway was closed.