Builders will not disrupt Dublin city centre businesses when work gets underway on the construction of the Irish capital's cross-city Luas line.

The impact would have an insignificant or 'no effect" on city centre businesses, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has claimed.

However, the Irish Times has reported that Metro North, which is also an RPA project, would have significantly greater impact on the operation of businesses during its construction phase'

The news came at a Bord Pleanála hearing on the proposed Luas line and was told that the Luas Broombridge, which would provide the 'missing link' through the city centre between the existing red and green Luas lines, would have long-term benefits for businesses greatly outweighing any impact of construction.

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It is believed that accessibility to some businesses may be reduced, there could be a decrease in passing trade due to temporary fencing and pedestrian diversions, and deliveries may be disrupted because of the temporary relocation of loading bays.

The planning hearing continues at the Gresham Hotel Dublin.

The proposed 5.6km line Luas line would run from the terminus of the green line at St Stephen's Green through the city centre, via Dawson Street, College Green, Westmoreland Street and O'Connell Street, where it would connect to the red line.

It then would run northwest to Broadstone, Grangegorman and Phibsboro via the disused midland railway line before terminating at Broombridge Station in Cabra.

On its return, the line would bypass O'Connell Street and use Marlborough Street to access a new Liffey bridge to Hawkins Street, before meeting back with the northbound line at College Green.

(BMcC/GK)