Local councillors want Southside MetroLink moved

COUNCILLORS in the Rathfarnham area have unanimously agreed to write to the National Transport Authority and ask them to consider moving the route of the proposed Southside rail link away from the Luas Green Line.

The preferred route of the recently unveiled €3bn MetroLink will see line running from near Swords to a station on the east side of St Stephen’s Green where it will go underground to Charlemont. 

There passengers will interchange with the Luas Green Line to Broombridge as it continues along the existing Luas Green line to Sandyford

The motion that was tabled by Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Holland, calls on the authority to instead route it through Terenure, Rathfarnham, Ballyboden and onwards to Sandyford, where they say there is a public transport blackspot through some parts of the county.

“We in Rathfarnham have been raising the dearth of public transport in our areas since we were elected in 2014,” the councillors stated.

“Dublin Bus have been open and must be commended for their efforts to serve the community, but we need a light rail.

“Passenger numbers have increased steadily over the years, as have the number of cars on our roads.

“An accident on the M50 can cause mile long tailbacks through Knocklyon and up into Ballyboden. We need transport solutions.”

The motion was backed by all other parties with representatives speaking in support of the proposal and highlighting the need for action.

Cllr Holland went on to say: “There are already more than 1,000 houses that are planned for Rathfarnham, and more are earmarked for across Ballycullen and Firhouse, which are already jammed with cars in the mornings.

“We need less cars on the roads, and a light rail would be great for these areas.”