That is according to new accounts for Transdev Dublin Light Rail Ltd (TDLR), the operator of the tram service, which show that pre-tax losses reduced by 61pc from €9m in 2022 to €3.53m in 2023.
A note in the accounts says that on November 23 of that year, “a riot occurred in Dublin city centre where tram #5037 was blocked by those involved. The tram driver evacuated all passengers and secured the tram, so nobody was injured during the event.
“The tram was set alight during the riot, resulting in severe damage. It is currently being repaired and is scheduled to be back in service at the beginning of 2026.”
Asked to quantify the cost involved a spokeswoman for Transdev Dublin Light Rail said today: “As this matter is currently before the courts, we are unable to comment further. The details are also commercially sensitive.”
The sharp decrease in losses at TDLR followed a 13pc increase in revenues, from €81.7m to €92.38m in 2023.
The directors say losses reduced by 61pc “mainly due to the improvement of the operational performance and exceptional energy index in December 2022”.
Commenting on the performance of the business in 2025, the Transdev spokeswoman said: “We are seeing record levels of performance and passenger numbers, reflecting strong public confidence and the essential role Luas plays in Dublin’s transport network.”
A key trend last year, which is said to be continuing in 2025, is an increase in weekend travel, driven by retail, events, and leisure.
In 2024, Luas recorded 54 million passenger journeys, a 12pc increase on 2023.
The accounts also detail how another Luas train remains out of service – six years after a road traffic accident involving a bus. A note states that Tram #3003 was damaged in March 2019.
It adds that “the tram has been positively assessed to determine if it were repairable. The repairs are expected to commence at the beginning of 2024 and the tram is scheduled to be back in service in Q4 of 2025. The bus insurance recognised full liability of the repairs in relation of the accident”.
Last year, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) put an estimated value of €1.75bn on the new Luas operation and maintenance contract.
A note attached to the Transdev accounts says the current contract was due to expire at the end of November 2025. The directors say the timeline has been extended to August 2026 to facilitate the tender process for a new contract, incorporating operations and asset maintenance activities for the Luas light rail system.
Staff numbers in 2023 increased from 603 to 648 as staff costs increased from €33.66m to €37.16m.
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