Transport Infrastructure Ireland Launches Tender for €250 Million Light Rail Extension Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 2, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched the procurement for the main infrastructure works of the Luas Finglas light rail extension line in Dublin, with the contract valued at approximately €250 million and a qualification application deadline of December 14. The project plans to extend the existing Luas Green Line northward by approximately 4 kilometers, adding 4 new light rail stops, and constructing bridges, park-and-ride facilities, track, power and signaling systems. TII plans to shortlist up to 4 qualifying companies in the first quarter of 2027 and award the main works contract in the second quarter of 2028.

The Luas Finglas project is a northward extension of Dublin's Green Line, with the route continuing north from the existing Broombridge stop to connect St Helena's, Finglas Village, St Margaret's Road and Charlestown areas. The extension is approximately 4 kilometers long, adds 4 new stops, and includes a park-and-ride facility with 350 parking spaces near St Margaret's Road, making it convenient for nearby residents to connect to Dublin city center by car, bus and light rail.

The main works scope includes track bed and rail installation, station construction, modification of the Broombridge vehicle stabling facility, and construction of two bridges. Among these, a bridge will be built at Broombridge crossing the Royal Canal and railway lines, and a bridge will be built in the Tolka Valley area crossing the Tolka River valley. In addition, the project includes road realignment, junction adjustments, relocation of underground utilities, construction of pedestrian and cycle paths, and landscaping and public realm improvements along the route.

The works cover overhead contact lines, power supply, signaling and train control systems, communications and other operational equipment. The winning contractor will also be responsible for system integration, construction coordination, testing and commissioning across different work packages, ensuring operational connectivity between the new line and the existing Luas Green Line. Project construction also involves a busy urban road environment, requiring coordination of traffic management, access to businesses along the route, and existing infrastructure.

TII has issued the prequalification document for the main works design and construction contract, using a staged competitive procedure. Applicant companies must first submit qualification materials, and TII plans to select up to 4 companies in the first quarter of 2027 to proceed to the next round. The subsequent formal tender documents are expected to be issued in the third quarter of 2027, tender submissions are planned for the fourth quarter of the same year, and the main works contract is expected to be awarded in the second quarter of 2028.

According to the procurement documents, the estimated value of the main works contract is €250 million, with a planned contract duration of 54 months.

Upon completion, the new light rail line will serve Finglas and surrounding communities in north Dublin, and connect with the existing railway network at Broombridge. According to the project plan published by TII, the extension is expected to provide light rail services to approximately 60,000 residents and provide rail transit support for local housing development and bus connections.