Metro decision welcomed says group
MEMBERS of the Metro South West group have welcomed the Government’s decision to “assess the requirement” to extend the proposed Metro project to south-west Dublin.
Metro South West is composed of locals and is calling for the MetroLink, which is to be built on the Northside of the city, to continue from the city on to Knocklyon/Firhouse, Tallaght and Rathfarnham.
The Government recently finalised its Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042, which includes considering extending the Metro depending on demand and spatial policy.
However, a review for considering the extension to South West Dublin isn’t expected to take place for another six years, which is a point of contention for the members of Metro South West.
A spokesperson for the group said the review should “commence now, but disappointingly the NTA intends to postpone this review for six years.
“The assessment is badly needed because of a seriously flawed assessment (Metro to Knocklyon Feasibility Study) carried out by the NTA before launching the Transport Strategy 2022-42, and without any consultation with local interests.
“In the meantime, the NTA is pushing ahead with seeking the approval of An Bord Pleanála to bring MetroLink as far south as Charlemont /Ranelagh.
“This would involve bypassing Portobello, Harold’s Cross and most of Rathmines and thereby potentially adversely affect the Transport User Benefits of continuing MetroLink to South West Dublin.
“There is time to carry out the review of continuing MetroLink to South West Dublin before metro construction commences, but we need to get on with this review!
“In the absence of this review, MSWG, like many others, has asked An Bord Pleanála to approve MetroLink only as far south as St Stephen’s Green so as not to pre-empt or reduce the benefits of continuing MetroLink to South West Dublin.
“When the flaws in the Metro to Knocklyon Feasibility Study have been rectified, the trajectory of MetroLink south of St Stephen’s Green can be decided.”
