A Luas extension to Finglas in Dublin will put a "grass track" through three local parks, according to the plan that has been drawn up by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The 4km Finglas track would provide four extra stops on the Green Line, as well as 600 spaces for a new park and ride facility at the new terminus at Charlestown.

The route going out for public consultation would go through Tolka Valley Park, Barnamore Grove linear park and Mellowes Park.

A brochure published by TII and the National Transport Authority for public consultation states that this will allow most of the new section to be a grass track, which is "an attractive innovation for urban transport in Ireland".

It says this will allow a cycle and pedestrian path along much of the line.

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However, around 12 private properties will be affected as part of their gardens will be required.

A Luas link to Finglas has been an objective for local representatives for many years and is backed by Dublin Chamber, the group representing businesses in the capital.

The brochure, which was delivered to households in the area, says that the link could be in operation by 2028 and see a reduction of 10,000 car trips by 2035.

It also states that the travel time from Charlestown to Trinity College would be reduced to 30 minutes, a saving of 14 minutes.

The plan would involve two new bridges with one at Broombridge, the current terminus of the Green Line, providing another link between Cabra and Finglas.

A second bridge would be built across the Tolka River in the Tolka Valley Park.

The four stops would be at St Helena's, Finglas Village, Mellowes Park and Charlestown.

It would allow connection to the Maynooth and Docklands rail services, as well as future DART services at Broombridge, while the other stops would allow switching to the new BusConnects network.

Luas line and extension openings