New transport plan includes Metro South light rail line

MEMBERS of the public have been invited to have their say on the Greater Dublin Area draft Transport Strategy 2016 – 2035, which includes a new ‘Metro South’ light rail running from St Stephen’s Green to Bride’s Glen.

 Last week the National Transport Authority released details of the strategy that sets out to sustain the region’s development.

The draft strategy is subject to a statutory public consultation and members of the public and all interested parties are invited to review the proposals, and the supporting documentation, on the authority’s website (www.nationaltransport.ie).

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, November 13.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said: “The purpose of our draft transport strategy is to contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of the Greater Dublin Area by providing for the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and  goods.

“The long-term success of the country’s capital region depends on sound and considered long-term strategic planning.  We are therefore encouraging as many people as possible to read our proposals, and the background documentation, and to let us know their views by taking part in our consultation before November 13.”

As part of the plan it is proposed to construct the Metro South line from St Stephen’s Green to Bride’s Glen to complete a full north/south high-capacity and high-frequency cross-city rail corridor running all the way to Swords through the central spine of the metropolitan area.

It is also proposed that the Luas Cross City line will connect St Stephen’s Green to Broombridge and intersect with the Red Line at Abbey Street.

An extension of the Luas Green Line to Bray is also on the cards to provide a second rail alternative to connect the town to the city centre and major destinations along the corridor at Cherrywood, Sandyford and Dundrum.

There will also be a Luas line to Lucan, providing a high capacity link to the centre of the large residential areas to the south of the N4 national road, and connecting to the city centre.

A Luas Red Line extension to Poolbeg will link the North Docklands to this new development area south of the Liffey.

There is also a ‘Core Bus Network’ proposed for the Dublin region that would comprise a series of dedicated bus corridors.

The urban cycle network will also be extended to over 1,485 kilometres in length while it is also intended to further develop and enhance the national road network throughout the country to improve routes.