Red Line Luas Service Suspended Indefinitely Due to Fire Damage Near IFSC, Expected Duration Over a Week Minimally
A significant fire near George's Dock Bridge in Dublin has disrupted the Luas Red Line services for at least a week. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, has caused extensive damage to the bridge, a crucial part of the Red Line.
The fire brigade, comprising four fire engines, a foam tender, and a water tanker, attended the scene and managed to bring the fire under control by 10.30 pm. Fortunately, no fire brigade members were injured during the incident.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, praised the quality and expertise of the fire brigade, stating that the fire could have been much worse. He also commended the swift response of Gas Networks Ireland, who worked with the emergency services to safely isolate the gas flow.
An investigation into the cause of the incident is currently underway by Gas Networks Ireland. In the meantime, Luas tickets are valid on local Dublin Bus services during the disruption.
The responsibility for necessary repairs and safety inspections of the George's Dock Bridge lies with Dublin City Council. The bridge will remain closed for at least the next seven days, and until it is certified safe for use. These checks are essential for everyone's safety and will determine when services can resume.
Initial observations suggested that the fire had blue flames, indicating a potential gas leak. A local resident reported smelling burning tyres before the fire. The steel girders holding up the bridge, however, can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees, suggesting that the estimated temperature at the site of the fire, which reached 1,000 degrees, may have been due to other factors.
Other businesses in the area were operating normally. However, the coffee shop adjacent to the bridge was closed early on Wednesday morning, and the Harbour Bar across the road from it was also closed. Both were restored with electricity on Wednesday morning.
The bridge must undergo essential repairs, structural engineering assessments, and multiple inspections from engineers and safety experts. These assessments will ensure the bridge's safety and the resumption of Luas services as soon as possible.
Read also:
- Condor Reveals Q2 Results for 2025 and Secures a $5 Million Bridge Loan
- More than half of British homes adhere to insulation standards established during the 1970s.
- While Éowyn's storm caused a massive €301 million in damages, fossil fuels maintain their position as the leading power source.
- Transition in Energy: Merz Administration Plans Enactment of Heating Revolution from 2026
