Big news for Dublin commuters as plans for the Luas Finglas extension have taken a significant step forward. A Railway Order planning application has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála, bringing the long-awaited project closer to reality.

However, while the extension promises to improve connectivity for Finglas and surrounding areas, questions remain about whether it does enough to address Dublin’s wider transport challenges.

What’s the Plan?

The proposed extension will expand the Luas Green Line, linking key communities in north Dublin, including:

• Charlestown
• Finglas Village
• Finglas West
• St. Helena’s
• Tolka Valley
• The city centre

The project is budgeted at €300–€600 million, though this figure is subject to change as plans evolve. Once completed, the extension will provide a much-needed public transport option for these areas, reducing reliance on cars and easing congestion on city roads.

A Missed Opportunity?

While the extension has been largely welcomed, it has sparked debate about whether the plans go far enough. A growing number of voices are questioning why the line doesn’t extend to Dublin Airport, a move many believe would make the project far more impactful.

Adding a direct Luas connection to the airport would improve transport options for both residents and visitors, addressing one of the city’s long-standing gaps in infrastructure. Many argue that it would make sense to connect Charlestown and Finglas directly to this key travel hub, rather than stopping short.

Critics are calling the decision not to include the airport a “short-sighted” move, especially given Dublin’s reputation as a major European capital. For many, the lack of a rail link to the airport is an ongoing source of frustration.

Practical Challenges

Extending the Luas to the airport isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s also a question of practicality. Some have pointed out that while a Luas link to the airport might seem like a good idea, it wouldn’t solve Dublin’s biggest transport issues. Here’s why:

• Journey Times: A Luas trip from Charlestown to the airport would likely take around 40 minutes, only marginally faster than the city’s slower buses and much slower than express bus options.
• Capacity Issues: The Luas system, while excellent for local transport, is not designed to handle the high-capacity demand of airport passengers. This is where the planned MetroLink comes in—a high-speed, high-capacity rail link specifically designed to connect the airport to the city centre.

One commuter summarised the issue perfectly, describing a potential Luas airport extension as “handy” but not a solution to the city’s wider transport needs. Worse, if the Luas were extended before MetroLink is operational, it could lead to overcrowding and logistical headaches.

What About MetroLink?

The MetroLink project, which aims to deliver a dedicated high-capacity connection between Dublin Airport and the city centre, remains the preferred solution for many transport experts. However, delays in its planning and construction have left commuters impatient, fuelling calls for interim measures like extending the Luas.

While MetroLink offers the promise of a long-term solution, it’s unlikely to be completed for several years, meaning Dubliners will have to rely on existing options for the foreseeable future.

Balancing Local and Strategic Needs

The Luas Finglas extension represents a major improvement for communities in north Dublin, providing better access to the city centre and reducing traffic on the roads. For residents of Finglas and Charlestown, this is a win that should not be understated.

However, for a city aiming to position itself as a global hub, infrastructure decisions must balance local needs with strategic goals. Many feel that failing to extend the Luas to Dublin Airport misses an opportunity to address one of the city’s most glaring transport gaps.

Looking Ahead

As plans for the Luas Finglas extension move forward, Dubliners can look forward to a more connected and accessible public transport system in the north of the city. But the debate around airport connectivity highlights the need for long-term vision in transport planning.

For now, the focus is on making the Luas Finglas project a success. If the planners can get this right, it may pave the way for further extensions that better serve the city’s growing needs. Whether that includes Dublin Airport remains to be seen, but the conversation is far from over.

The Luas Finglas project is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but as Dublin grows, it’s clear that more ambitious solutions will be needed to keep the city moving.