Delay on Metrolink decision is a blow to all Dublin commuters – Farrell

The decision to again delay Dublin’s Metrolink due to the need for an oral hearing is a further blow for all the capital’s commuters, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Farrell has said that delays in the delivery of public projects such as MetroLink cannot be ignored, as the consequences of more delays are too significant to turn a blind eye to.

“An Bord Pleanála have said that they have yet to receive the inspectors report which is needed to hold the oral hearing. This will add at least several months before the board can start to deliberate.

“An Bord Pleanála had previously said that a decision was to be made by 2023, as recently as today their website indicated a decision would be made by December 21^st.

“I am disappointed in this further delay to the process which will have a very detrimental impact on North Dublin and in particular Swords.

“This delay will have a major impact on local people, who have hoped to see progress on Metrolink for decades and who have been continually disappointed. Over time this disappointment has been replaced with disbelief, and I fear that as a result of this further delay, residents of North Dublin and Fingal will lose all faith that this project will ever come to fruition.

“I believe An Bord Pleanála should clarify the timeframe for the completion of this application and further clarify why this latest delay has occurred”, concluded Deputy Farrell.