An Bord Pleanála approves most of plan for Metro North
Ambitious plans for an underground rail link connecting Dublin city centre to the airport were given the green light today.
Works on the multi-billion euro Metro North, which is described as the biggest transport project in the State’s history, could begin next year depending on Government backing.
An Bord Pleanala approved the scheme, which includes removing historic statues from along O’Connell Street during construction and building an underground stop at the controversial site for the new Children’s National Hospital in Drumcondra.
An estimated 35 million passengers a year will use the service, which will travel between the city and airport in 20 minutes, and on to Swords.
It is estimated to cost in the region of €3bn, with the majority from private investors and the remainder of funding from the State. Contracts are out to tender.
Project managers Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said the decision was a significant milestone in the creation of a high quality, sustainable, integrated public transport network for Dublin.
“Transporting people efficiently and in the most sustainable manner is vital for the economic, social and environmental well-being of any city,” said an RPA spokesman.
An underground track will travel from St Stephen’s Green towards Ballymun before it crosses over the M50 to a park and ride facility and depot at Dardistown.
It will then go underground at Dublin Airport before going overground again to Swords, where An Bord Pleanala cut two stops at Seatown and Belinstown, north of the town.
Enabling works on underground utility lines are due to start in spring, with construction scheduled to last from 2012 to 2016.
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said Metro North was a priority public transport project for the Government.
However Fine Gael queried how much the scheme will actually cost.
Transport spokesman Simon Coveney said: “At such a critical time for the economy, it is essential that taxpayers know exactly how much major projects will cost, and what they will gain from them.
“If it is to go ahead, the business case needs to be comprehensive and convincing.”
Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party transport spokesman, said Metro North could change the shape of Dublin for the better over the next century and create 4,000 direct construction jobs as well as 2,000 indirect jobs.
“Metro North, a vital piece of infrastructure; 10 years in the planning, will benefit the city of Dublin and its inhabitants for generations to come,” he said.
Elsewhere Dublin Chamber of Commerce maintained conditions have to be put in place to ensure it will be business as usual for companies operating in the vicinity of the works.
Gina Quin, chief executive, added: “The project will lead to improved commuting times for the capital’s workforce to the city centre and the surrounding Greater Dublin area.
“Metro North will also help to stimulate economic recovery by making Dublin an easier place to live and work.”
