Luas Broombridge Update

4th August, 2010

luas pic

I circulated this update before the deferral of this project. I am now contacting the Rail Procuement Agency to understand if they are still going ahead with the planing process. I assume that they will so much of the below should still be relevant.

WHAT IS LUAS BROOMBRIDGE?

The planned LUAS Broombridge is the next phase of Dublin’s integrated light rail network. The project will see the construction of a 5.6km LUAS line from St. Stephen’s Green to Broombridge via Broadstone and Phibsborough. This project is one of the most important recently undertaken in the city of Dublin. This is excellent news for our local community.

LUAS BROOMBRIDGE – PLANNING STATUS
Under the Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006, an application can be made directly to An Bord Pleanala, rather than Dublin City Council for permission to construct a project such as LUAS Broombridge. Use of this Act will allow the ‘fast-tracking’ of the project through the planning process. The main implication of this for local residents is that there will be only one opportunity to make a submission or objection to this project on any matters of local concern.

The Rail Procurement Agency lodged an application for a Draft Railway Order, in effect a planning application with An Bord Pleanala on June 22nd last. The Board are currently reviewing the documents provided by the RPA. This Draft Railway Order will go on public display shortly and the public will have an opportunity to express their views and make a submission to An Bord Pleanala until August 13th. Given the importance and size of this project it is likely that an Oral Hearing will be held by the Board prior to any permission being granted for construction.

IMPACT OF LUAS BROOMBRIDGE?
The extension of the LUAS is welcomed but the construction of this project will have a huge impact upon the local community. Particular areas of impact include:
– Temporary land-take from residential gardens on the Cabra Road and Mount Bernard Park.
– There will be a permanent loss of green land north of Mount Bernard Park behind homes on St. Attracta Road.
– Disruption due to substantial construction works taking place in the area, including issues regarding hours of work, noise and vibration levels.

WHAT AM I DOING ON THIS ISSUE?
Councillor Mary O’Shea and I have written to the Rail Procurement Agency asking that it will meet regularly with local Residents Associations to keep the local community updated about when and what proposed works will take place. Councillor O’Shea and I will make use of our experience with An Bord Pleanala to work with and support residents in ensuring their voices are heard during the public consultation. We will do all we can to help you in making constructive submissions on the impact of this project on the local community so that An Bord Pleanala fully appreciates the views of local people before making a decision to grant permission. This is a very welcome project and our submissions should help in making a good decision by An Bord Pleanala.