[Colm Moore]

Oddly enough, it is only on the DoT website, no the RPA one. Teh last few lines of the PR reeks of "we're taking all the glory, but doing none of the work". Shenanigans (to keep ministerial office?).

Cullen announces Cherrywood to Bray Luas route selection
6 June 2007

Transport Minister Martin Cullen TD, together with the Chief Executive of the Railway Procurement Agency, Mr Frank Allen, this afternoon (Wednesday 6 June 2007) announced the preferred route selected by the RPA for the Cherrywood to Bray area Green Line Luas extension.

The selected route was one of three route options identified as part of a public consultation process by the RPA which commenced in August 2006. This new Luas line, (known as Luas Line B2) is funded under Transport 21 and will run from Cherrywood to Fassaroe. It will follow the route of the old Harcourt Street rail alignment over the Brides Glen viaduct to the M11. The line will then continue south, parallel to the motorway to the Wilford interchange, where it will cross to the western side of the motorway on a new bridge and continue southwards through Old Connaught and Fassaroe. Possible stops along the selected route, which will run to over six kilometres include St. Colmcilles, Stonebridge Road, Crinken Lane, Wilford, Old Connaught and Fassaroe.

A link to the DART at either of two locations is subject to further public consultation. The options are either a link to a proposed station at Woodbrook or alternatively to the existing DART station at Bray. Public consultation on this particular aspect of the route will be held by the RPA tomorrow Thursday 7 June from 11am to 8pm at the Royal Hotel, Bray.

Structural work has already started on the Luas Line B1, which also sees an extension (7.5 kilometres) to the Luas Green Line from Sandyford to Cherrywood. Speaking this afternoon, Minister Martin Cullen TD said: "I am delighted that work has commenced on the Luas Green Line which will extend the line network and give commuters the option of travelling from St. Stephens Green to Sandyford and on to Cherrywood. I also welcome the selection of the route - again extending the Green Line - from Cherrywood to the Bray area. Since its introduction in 2004, Luas has proven to be an attractive means of transport for commuters. Last year (2006), 26 million passengers used the Red and Green Luas lines, a 16% increase on 2005. Luas provides a quick, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to the private car. When up and running, the extensions to the Green Line will offer greater travel choice, flexibility and more frequent services to Luas customers.

Speaking about the Cherrywood to Bray area route selection, Frank Allen, Chief Executive of the Railway Procurement Agency said: This decision is another milestone in the development of the new rail-based infrastructure for the Greater Dublin Area. I am very pleased that the Railway Procurement Agency is continuing to make a significant contribution to the future development of public transport in the city and look forward to delivering the seven new Luas lines and two Metros which are planned under Transport 21."



Issued by: Michelle Hoctor, 087 8563070 / Veronica Scanlan, 087 6430622

For information about the public consultation process tomorrow in Bray, please contact the RPA on 1800 676 464.

http://www.transport.ie/upload/general/9345-0.pdf