As the Luas celebrates its 20th anniversary, politicians and transport experts consider how to expand the service in the next 20 years. 

A ceremony was held at St Stephen’s Green to mark 20 years since the Luas took its first official journey. 

Guests at the event included some of the Luas’ first drivers – and the voice behind the service Doireann Ní Bhriain. 

 

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Speaking at the event, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said he was involved in the initial plans for the Luas in the 1990s. 

“It was a really deep vision modelling of what Dublin could be,” he said. 

“When the Luas was proposed, there were some doubters, ‘Churchtown is too low density, you won’t have any patronage’. 

“What happened was from day one and every day since the vision was correct.” 

Eamon Ryan cutting a cake at the 20th anniversary of the Luas. Image: Ellen Kenny

He said he is “absolutely convinced” people want to see further development of the Luas and public transport. 

“20 years looking back, 20 years growing, 20 years blooming,” he said. “We need to do the 20 blooming years now.” 

Speaking to reporters, Minister Ryan said there needs to be a Luas in Galway and Cork, as well as more rail services in Limerick. 

“Some people say Galway doesn’t have the demand for a Luas... I don’t buy that,” he said. 

“When you build good public transport Irish people flock to it.” 

Luas in 20 years

Trinity College Dublin Professor in Transportation Brian Caulfield said by 2044, there should be Luas lines to Lucan, Bray, Rathfarnham and Blanchardstown. 

“The lines we have work well - the simple fact is we need many more lines,” he said. 

“In all of the planning and discussion over the metro, we may have dropped the ball on progressing new Luas lines.” 

He said the pace at which new lines are being developed is “far too slow”. 

“The extension of the Green line to Finglas, which is just 4km, will take 10 years to deliver,” he said. 

“Let's not forget Luas is the Irish word for speed - let's realise that word in the delivery of new lines.” 

Green Party Councillor and former Dublin Commuter Coalition Chair Feljin Jose, however, said the future of public transport should focus on all modes. 

“Ideally we would have Metrolink, Dart+ West, all of that, all the upgrades,” he said. 

He said a late-night Luas, for example, is not fully necessary if there are more 24-hour buses. 

There should also be increased investment in public transport across the country, according to Mr Jose.