John Gormley
Question:292 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason the gauge for Luas is not 5.30 as it is for the mainline rail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1342/01]
Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
As part of the analysis process for light rail in Dublin, a comprehensive study was carried out by the light rail project office in CIE before the decision on the gauge for Luas was finalised. It was considered that, for on-street running of light rail vehicles, the benefits of adopting the standard European gauge – 48½ – considerably outweighed those of the Irish gauge – 53.
First and foremost, the narrower European gauge affords certain technical benefits and flexibility where trams run on-street. In addition, the cost of procuring rolling stock for the standard European gauge is considerably less than that which would be required to custom design and build trams for the Irish gauge. The issue of the appropriate gauge to be used was dealt with in some detail at the public inquiry for Line A – Tallaght-Abbey Street. In his report, the inspector to the inquiry, Judge Seán O'Leary, concluded that the decision to use the standard European gauge was the correct decision and I accepted the inspector's view.