Display shows disruption from Luas construction "will be slight"

The redevelopment of the northern end of Dundrum village, demolition of property in Ranelagh and the "significant" disruption to businesses during construction are among the issues addressed by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated with the St Stephen's Green to Sandyford Luas line.

The EIS, which has gone on public display in Rathmines and Dundrum public libraries as well as Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council offices, also takes account of the need to build a tram depot at Sandyford Industrial Estate, park and ride facilities at Sandyford and Balally, and a new bridge across the Grand Canal at Charlemont Place.

However, the EIS also notes that as the route uses the old Harcourt Street Railway line for almost 8 km of its 9 km length, the disruption caused by the construction and operation will be slight. In addition, the EIS claims the development of light rail will actually improve the air quality in the suburbs by reducing the number of cars used by commuters.

Also on the positive side, the EIS notes that, based on the experience of other cities, property values along the route are expected to rise.

The proposal differs only slightly from the original Dundrum to O'Connell Street Luas line, the termination of the route at St Stephen's Green, where the route will eventually go underground to Broadstone, being the most obvious difference.

Because the line will not be integrated with the other routes to Tallaght and Ballymun until the underground section is provided, a tram depot is needed and is planned for Sandyford Industrial Estate adjacent to the Woodford housing estate. Some noise and light pollution is expected there.

In the city centre it is proposed to construct the line in short sections to minimise what the EIS acknowledges could be significant disruption to businesses.

Committees are to be set up involving traders, the Garda, public representatives and representatives of the utility companies such as Telecom Eireann, Bord Gais, etc., to oversee arrangements for access and deliveries.

In the suburban sections, because the route runs along the former Harcourt Street railway line the disruption to business will be less severe, although some commercial and residential property is to be severely affected. This includes No 1 Ranelagh Road, which is to be acquired and demolished.

In order to mitigate impact of demolition of both commercial and residential properties at Taney Cross, at the northern end of Dundrum Village where a new bridge is to be built, an "Urban Design Framework Plan" has been worked out in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Two residences will also be demolished at Balally.

In terms of amenity, the rear gardens of houses at Nos 1 to 6 Beechwood Avenue Upper are to be acquired on a temporary basis to facilitate construction, while the impact of the line on No 28 Peter Place in the city section, is predicted to be "significant and adverse".

In terms of cultural heritage the EIS notes that the city section of the route passes through areas of significant historical and possibly archaeological interest. However, the EIS also notes that as the route is above ground the archaeological disturbance is not predicted to be significant. An archaeologist will be employed during construction to monitor all digging in this section of the line.

The line impacts on one proposed Natural Heritage Area, the Grand Canal, which will be affected by the construction of a new bridge at Charlemont Place. The line will also cross the Dodder on the Milltown Viaduct (the Nine Arches) requiring precautions to be taken to prevent material falling into the canal or the Dodder.

A public inquiry is expected to be held this summer and construction would begin in the autumn of next year and would take three years to complete.