As it gets ready for more Luas network development and aims to replace the present trams in use, TII has started a preliminary market survey for the €300 million expenditure.

Dublin's current Luas network has 44 kilometres of track that is served by 81 trams. The 40 LRVs that made up the first purchase of the present Luas trams were followed by 26 more in 2009, seven more in 2018, and eight more in 2020.

According to TII, the first 40 [trams] have been in operation for 20 years and are close to reaching the end of their useful lives.

The TII notification notes that “further expansions to the Dublin Luas network are well advanced” and that these network expansions would need the purchase of more trams. This notice values the contract at an estimated €300 million.

The statement from TII said, “In addition, TII are also involved in the planning phase for a new Irish light rail network in the city of Cork,” as is stated in the notice.

“This is primarily a consultation process, to engage with the market for research purposes, which will assist in the development of the final tender documents,” a TII spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

“It is a crucial step towards an investment in maintaining a high-quality Luas service as well as the future expansion of the Luas network,” he added. In 2024, the Luas will complete 20 years of service, and it has significantly improved the availability of public transit.

To meet the needs for the delivery of new trams and the sustainably decommissioning of trams that have reached the end of their useful lives, TII has said in the notice that it aims to award a single contract to a rolling stock manufacturer.

Transdev Ireland manages the Luas. Luas handled 38 million passenger trips in the past year, with 120,000+ trips each day on average.

The deadline for responses is October 5.