The Luas reduced timetable on St. Patrick’s Day has been slammed as “ludicrous” and “dangerous”.
Luas services on the Red and Green Lines will run Sunday operating hours on St. Patrick's Day and Friday, March 18.
There will also be temporary partial closures of both Lines on St. Patrick's Day to facilitate the parade
Read more: John C Reilly announced as International Guest of Honour for St Patrick's Day Parade
Dublin Rathdown’s Neale Richmond has called on Luas to have an urgent rethink as tens of thousands of tourists and revellers are expected to visit the city centre on those days.
The Fine Gael TD said: “This decision is both ludicrous and dangerous. We will see so many people pack on to the few Luas trams running while the lack of a late night service will see many revellers stranded in the city centre late at night with very limited transport options.
“This is a direct dereliction of responsibility of duty by Luas to the city and the people it serves.
“Luas needs to urgently rethink this proposed timetable and appreciate the need to ensure the city is serviced properly for these two Bank Holidays.”
Mr Richmond believes that these days will be two of the busiest days in Dublin city centre and is disappointed that one of the main public transport providers has cut its operating hours.
“After almost two years of restrictions, due to the Covid19 pandemic, this year we will have a massive double Bank Holiday celebration,” he continued.
“Tens of thousands of tourists and revellers will come to Dublin to enjoy the wonderful St. Patrick’s festival after two years of it being absent.
“While partial closures of the line for a period of time to facilitate the parade is understandable, reducing the service the rest of the day is not.”
Dublin Live has contacted Luas for comment.
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest new straight to your inbox.
Read more: All of the local St Patrick's Day parades and events happening in Dublin
Read more: Dublin Airport expecting surge of passengers to travel for St Patrick's Day celebrations
