MetroLink plans may be changed

THE controversial MetroLink proposals that would cause serious disruption to local sports clubs and schools may be ditched, it emerged last week.

Opposition to the plans that would establish a tunnel boring construction site in Glasnevin has been growing since the plans were first announced last April.

The original plans would establish a tunnel boring construction site in Glasnevin, which would mean the loss of pitches for GAA club Na Fianna and Home Farm soccer club for several years.

Local schools including Scoil Chaitriona and Scoil Mobhí also have concerns over health and safety implications for pupils and staff.

However, at an Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting last week, National Transport Authority (NTA) officials confirmed they were now considering an alternative solution to minimise disruption.

Engineers are understood to be working on a ‘single-bore’ tunnel design that would do away with the need a tunnel-boring depot at Na Fianna’s pitches.

Na Fianna said they’ve been engaged in dialogue with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) since the MetroLink public consultation process ended in May.

“We understand from these conversations that TII are considering a number of possible solutions that may not require the use of Na Fianna’s grounds as a tunnel boring site,” said Cathaoirleach, CLG Na Fianna, Cormac Ó Donnchú.

“While we welcome this potential development, and we are particularly pleased to note that some of the concerns of our community appear to have been recognised, we await confirmation and further details from TII.”

However, Ó Donnchú warned that any revised options might still continue to have a serious impact on the local community.

“In the absence of clarity on the matter, we would caution at this stage against any speculation regarding possible outcomes until alternative proposals have been publicly advised, and their implications have been confirmed.

“Once again CLG Na Fianna reaffirms our support of the MetroLink project and we look forward to continuing to engage fully with TII in an ongoing process as we, together with our neighbours Scoil Mobhi, Scoil Chaitriona and Home Farm FC seek a solution that will be acceptable to our community.”

Dublin North West TD, Noel Rock (FG), who first revealed the possibility of new plans, welcomed last week’s developments.

“I was glad that the NTA, at my invitation, took the opportunity to state that they are now working towards a solution which will see the main pitch at Na Fianna saved, minimise the construction footprint in Glasnevin, minimise the amount of construction time and disruption, yet cost fractionally less and be no slower than the previous proposal,” he said.

“I previously requested them to appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee to hear the concerns of Na Fianna, Scoil Mobhí, Scoil Chaitríona and Home Farm FC.

“This has been an example of effective public engagement, and a good example of how we can work well to advance the interests of ordinary people in the Oireachtas.”

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West, Dessie Ellis, who has also being involved in the campaign to ditch the original plans cautiously welcomed last week’s news.

“I am happy that in my meetings with officials and others that some of my proposals are now being considered,” he said.

“It appears that the Northwood site, which was the option I originally proposed at the Oireachtas committee meeting, as well as in the Dáil and in my submission to the NTA, is now being actively considered.

“Additionally, I have proposed that a traffic management plan be developed to minimise the impact of the construction of Metro North on residents and commuters.

“I also proposed a construction management plan be developed to minimise its impact on residents.”

“My proposals will have the least impact on the community and surrounding areas and I am delighted that they are being actively considered.”

A final decision on the submissions to the consultation process is expected to be published towards the end of August.