Conditions set for Luas line section

The inspector's report into plans for the south Dublin Luas line between Sandyford and St Stephen's Green has recommended that 38 conditions should be observed. The report was produced after public hearings and was published by the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke.

The conditions relate mainly to consultation with bodies such as the Irish Georgian Society, Duchas and local residents' associations on the fine detail of the design of stops and the attachment of overhead cables to existing structures, particularly in areas around St Stephen's Green and Harcourt Terrace.

The report recommends that the Minister should make a light railway order for the second part of the Luas system. The first phase of the citywide network, totalling about 40km, is the Tallaght line, which the Minister has already approved.

The Minister will now decide whether to approve or amend the inspector's recommendations. The projected timetable, assuming the report is approved by the Minister, is: winter 1999, tendering; summer 2000, awarding of contract; autumn 2000, building begins; late 2002 or early 2003, completion of the line.

The inspector, Judge Sean O'Leary, found that the route, known as line B, will have a positive effect on the lives of those working within the catchment area. He also found that the effect on retail areas should be positive.

In the Harcourt Street area he found the effect would be neutral as the reduction in vehicle traffic would be replaced by the intrusion of the line.

He found the community of Peter Place would be negatively affected by increased pedestrian activity. Ranelagh would be improved, as would the Beechwood, Cowper and Milltown areas.

Along the former Harcourt Street line, the communities at Windy Arbour and Dundrum could even be revitalised from the light rail system, which would reduce car numbers.

At Balally Judge O'Leary found there was enough room to provide an adequate buffer between the park-and-ride site and existing housing, although he acknowledged there was potential for negative impact on future housing because of the size of the facility.

The residents of Woodford and Brewery Road are due to lose substantial open space to the tram depot.

The judge notes that the occupiers of the houses would be anxious about the future, and he felt the conditions he imposed about boundary treatment and consultation should go a long way towards meeting their concerns.

The findings have been welcomed by the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State, Mr Seamus Brennan, and by the Fine Gael spokeswoman on traffic, Ms Olivia Mitchell, both of whom represent the Dublin South Dail constituency through which much of the line passes. Ms Mitchell added, however, that the underground section had no credibility.