Metro North gets the go ahead

METRO
North, the 15-kilometre line linking Swords with St Stephen’s Green, has been
given the final go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála.

However,
it’s still uncertain whether the Government will approve the light rail
project.

The
planning appeals board has granted permission to the Railway Procurement Agency
(RPA) for the construction of a depot for Metro North at Dardistown near Dublin
Airport, meaning that the whole scheme has now been approved.

An
Bord Pleanála also gave the go ahead to acquire lands owned by Na Fianna GAA
Club and Whitehall Rangers Football Club.

However,
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar is expected to postpone the project next month,
when the Government announces which major infrastructure projects will go ahead
over the next five years.

Local
Northside representatives have nonetheless appealed to the Government to commit
to timeframe for construction.

Speaking
to Northside People, candidate for the Dublin West by-election and Fingal
councillor, David McGuinness, said there was a solid, economic case for the
construction of the Metro North project.

? he stated.

Cllr
McGuinness said that if he wins the up-coming by-election on October 27, he
will exert huge pressure on the Government to put in place a timeframe that
will see Metro North delivered to Swords without undue delay.

? he added.

Swords
ward councillor Darragh Butler (FF) added that he would be raising the issue at
the next meeting of Fingal County Council.

? said Cllr Butler.

The
Rail Procurement Agency is reported to have already spent e200m on the Metro
project.

The
agency is now due to select a winning bid to build and operate Metro North
between two competing consortiums, Celtic Metro and Metro Express.