News Longer Luas trams to be introduced on the Green Line Close 1/1 The Luas . Photo: Caroline Quinn Gallery 1 The Luas . Photo: Caroline Quinn

Longer Luas trams are on the way in a bid to ease congestion in the capital, Independent.ie has learned.

Transport Minister Shane Ross will today receive Cabinet approval for the purchase of extended carriages on the Green Line.

The move comes ahead of the official launch of the Luas Cross City project, which links the Green and Red lines, on December 9.

Sources said the plan is to spend nearly €100m enhancing capacity between 2018 and 2022.

The Green Line, which goes from Brides Glen through Sandyford to St Stephen’s Green, is 16.5km in length and has 22 Stops.

Altogether the two lines carried 34.2 million passengers last year – but that figure is expected to rise once the two lines are linked up.

Mr Ross will provide a memo to Cabinet outlining plans to extend 26 existing trams from 43 metres in length to 55 metres.

Eight new trams will also be purchased.

As a result a number of platforms on the route will have to be extended in length in order to facilitate the trams.

And a larger storage facility will be developed in Sandymount where the trams are parked when not in use.

Online Editors