As you know the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland recently launched a Public Consultation on the proposed MetroLink. I have provided some background information on the proposal, the consultation process and how you can have your say.
WHAT IS METROLINK?
The National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland recently published details of a proposed MetroLink between Swords and Sandyford. This proposal would see a fast, high frequency and high capacity metro rail link being constructed along the proposed 26km route. The vast majority of the proposed route will be underground with 25 stations being included. However, planning permission must first be sought and it is likely that a formal application for planning will not be submitted to An Bord Pleanala before the summer of 2019.
WHY IS A METRO BEING PROPOSED?
The National Transport Authority undertook an analysis of the transport needs for the north-side of Dublin in 2015. That analysis resulted in the publication of the Fingal / North Dublin Transport Study which included an assessment of the need for a metro against other transport alternatives that have been presented over the years. The study recommended that a Metro was the appropriate solution that would address the needs of those who use public transport living between Swords, Dublin Airport and the City Centre. On foot of this recommendation, the Government included MetroLink in Project Ireland 2040.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING METRO LINK?
The National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be responsible for advancing this project through planning and will, in line with the Public Spending Code, select and approve contractors to build MetroLink. This project will be considered by An Bord Pleanala under the terms of the Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006.
HOW WILL METROLINK IMPACT / AFFECT DUBLIN CENTRAL COMMUNITIES?
In Dublin Central, new Metro stations are proposed in the Emerging Preferred Route at Griffith Park, Glasnevin, Mater and on O’Connell Street. Full details of these stops are available on www.MetroLink.ie.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF METRO LINK?
Last month, in publishing details of the proposed MetroLink, the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland outlined the initial steps in identifying the Emerging Preferred Route for the project. In developing an Emerging Preferred Route, both the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have been eager to provide:
- Opportunities for an integrated transport system with the Inter City rail network, LUAS Cross City and DART Services.
- Reduced number of homes under which Metro tunnels will run.
I understand that many issues and challenges will arise. That is why it is so important householders and business owners living along the Emerging Preferred Route engage with the Public Consultation that is now underway. The consultation process will enable home-owners, residents, businesses, community groups and sports clubs to understand how the Emerging Preferred Route may impact them and how the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland intend to address any concerns or difficulties in an effective manner. This public consultation will remain open until Friday, May 11th next.
HOW CAN YOU HAVE YOUR SAY?
You can make your submission or lodge your observation on the Emerging Preferred Route put forward by the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in three ways:
- Via www.MetroLink.ie – through the Public Consultation section of the website.
- Via Email to consultations@metrolink.ie
- Via Post to MetroLink Consultation, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Parkgate Business Centre, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, D08 DK10.
The deadline for which your submissions and observations must be received by is 5pm on Friday, May 11th 2018.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN METRO LINK?
Following the completion of this phase of Public Consultation, the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will consider all feedback received during the consultation and will present a Report by the end of 2018. Further design, consultation and engagement will take place throughout 2019 before a formal application for a Railway Order is sought from An Bord Pleanala. It is expected that a formal application will not be lodged before the summer of 2019. A statutory consultation process involving the communities living along the route will then take place as part of that formal planning process.
DO YOU REQUIRE FURTHER INFORMATION?
If you require any additional information or clarification on the Emerging Preferred Route developed to date by the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland or have any questions about the details outlined above, please come back to me and I will endeavour to answer any enquiries that you may have.