Transport 21 provides for the development of a Luas line from St. Stephen's Green to Liffey Junction (Lines BX, D), using the old Broadstone railway alignment. Luas Line BX runs from St. Stephen's Green to O'Connell St., while Luas Line D is the onward extension of the line from O'Connell St. to Liffey Junction.
I recently mandated the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to proceed with planning the delivery of Line BX/D, based on the Agency's preferred route for Line BX and the use of the Old Broadstone railway alignment for Line D.
It will not be possible to fully construct Luas Line BX at the same time as construction of Metro North because of the traffic management implications which would arise in the city centre. The RPA is developing a construction strategy for Luas Line BX, in close co-operation with Dublin City Council, which includes use of Metro North construction sites and recognises the traffic management requirements of the city centre.
In addition, the RPA is currently exploring the options for optimising the design of the connection of the two lines. This is being done on the basis that Line D will be developed contemporaneously with Line BX. The RPA is engaging with Dublin City Council on the basis that it is its intention to make a single railway order application for the combined Line BX — D to An Bord Pleanála in the latter part of next year.
I understand from the RPA that public consultation on Line D route options will commence this summer, with identification of a preferred route option likely later this year.