History of Luas

 

  •  April 1994: A Dublin Transport Initiative report recommends the construction of a Light Rail Transit system linking major suburban areas to the city centre. 
  •  July 1997: A Public Inquiry is held as a mandatory requirement of the Transport (Dublin Light Rail) Act, 1996. 
  •  May 1998: The Irish Government gives the green light to the Light Rail Transit system project. 
  •  Oct 2000: Construction of the first Luas line starts. 
  •  December 2000: The tender to find an operator for the Luas system is published. 
  •  December 2001: Establishment of the Railway Procurement Agency, acting as a stand alone, commercial semi-state organisation.
  • February 2002: The Minister of Public Enterprise announces that Connex Transport Ireland is the preferred bidder for the Luas operator franchise.
  • May 2002: Connex Transport Ireland is selected to operate the Luas system.
  • June 2004: The first line (Green Line) opens on June 30th 2004.
  • Sept 2004: The second line (Red Line) opens on September 28th 2004.
  • April 2006: Connex Transport Ireland Ltd changes its name to Veolia Transport Ireland.
  • November 2006: Luas carried its 50 millionth passenger.
  • October 2008: RPA extend the Veolia Transport Ireland contract to operate Luas and its future extensions to September 2014. 
  • December 2009: The Red Line is extended by 1.5km with 4 new Stops to The Point.
  • October 2010: The Green line is extended by 11km with 9 new Stops to Brides Glen.
  • March 2011: Creation of Veolia Transdev
  • July 2011: The Red Line is extended by 4.5km with 5 new stops to Saggart.