The RPA attributes the fall to reduced economic activity in the city
with fewer commuters and lower levels of leisure travel. Nonetheless,
Luas has remained profitable and generated an operating surplus of
Euros 3.8 million after tax.

Despite the severe impact of the
recession on the Irish economy, the RPA says the case for building
Dublin's first light metro line, Metro North, remains strong because
there is still an urgent need for improved public transport
infrastructure in the city's northern suburbs. The RPA's annual report
notes that ‘significant progress' was made last year in procurement and
gaining statutory approvals for the project.
 
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