Northside Metro can’t be derailed by Southside squabble – Farrell & Rock

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell and Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock have called for the Metrolink project to be separated into two phases with the prioritisation of the development of Metro from the city centre to north Dublin.

Deputy Farrell said “The delivery of Metro from the city centre to north Dublin, the Airport and the Swords community is vital in providing transport links to cater for the demands of a modern city, and a growing population in north Dublin.

“It is essential that a rail link is established to the Airport from the city centre, particularly to support those who commute every day for work or education, and for the benefit of the 31 million passengers who use Dublin Airport.

“As such, I believe that the Metro link between the city centre and north Dublin should be prioritised and separated from the Metrolink running from the city to Sandyford, in order to allow this project to proceed.

“Any delay in the provision of Metro to Swords and Dublin Airport due to difficulties with the Southside route selection would be wholly unacceptable. The transport infrastructure the people of north Dublin, and the growing Swords community both require and deserve must be delivered.

Deputy Rock stated, “the Metro Project to link the city centre to north Dublin will provide an integral link between communities in Ballymun and Santry with the city centre. The Southside squabble should not be allowed to derail this long-promised project.

“The fact is that the north side of Dublin has significantly less transport infrastructure, particularly in terms of rail links that the south of the city. The possibility of issues with the planned route for Metro from the city to Sandyford delaying the delivery of Metro to Dublin North-West, and on to the Airport is wholly unacceptable.

“The northbound phase of the Metro project should be separated from the southbound phase to allow for its delivery as soon as possible. This is of the utmost importance for local residents in Ballymun, Santry and surrounding communities.

“Separating this project into two distinct phases would be a recognition of the need for greater public transport infrastructure for the north side, and would work to bring such infrastructure on par with the south side.

“The needs of north Dublin cannot, and must not, be forgotten or pushed aside when it comes to the delivery of Metro.”