Please find the below update on the Dublin Underground Project and the East Wall community.
What is the DART Underground?
The planned DART Underground is one of the largest infrastructural projects ever undertaken in this country. It will be an underground tunnel that will link much of the existing transport infrastructure in Dublin. Under the 2006 Strategic Infrastructure Act, Irish Rail will be able to apply for planning permission directly with An Bord Pleanala as opposed to Dublin City Council. This is to provide a ‘fast track’ planning process for the project.
The main implication of this for local residents is that there will only be one opportunity to make a submission or objection to this project on any matters of local concern. I expect that Irish Rail will lodge an application with An Bord Pleanala early in the New Year.
IMPACT OF THE DART UNDERGROUND?
East Wall will not benefit directly from the DART Underground but construction of this project will have a huge impact upon the community. I believe the key issues that must be considered are:
- Disruption due to substantial construction works that will take place in the area. Main issues include the removal of soil, working hours and the general effect on the local community during construction.
- Where will construction traffic enter and exit the local work site? A very large number of trucks will be using the local work site. We must work to ensure they are not using residential roads.
- Irish Rail is proposing a new road layout on Ossary Road leading to a new under-bridge on West Road. We must understand the need for this change, the impact on the local community and whether other options are possible.
- The effect of the Underground Dart when it is operational. We must guarantee that local homes are not affected by noise or vibrations due to the passing of trains.
Councillor Ray McAdam and I will be working hard to address these and other issues on your behalf.
WHAT I AM DOING ON THIS ISSUE
I organised a meeting between representatives of the company and the East Wall Residents’ Association. Councillor Ray McAdam and I are now doing the following:-
- Contacting Iarnrod Eireann and requesting that they meet regularly with your local association before the planning application is lodged by Iarnrod Eireann.
- Requesting that independent legal advice be supplied to local residents on the impact of this project on the local community.
- Raising this issue in the Oireachtas.
Throughout this process, Councillor Ray McAdam and I will make use of our experience with An Bord Plenala to work with residents in making constructive submissions on the impact of this project on the local community in advance of the Railway Order being submitted to the Board.