THIRTEEN TDs representing constituencies in the north of Dublin have called on the Government to include the area in the first phase of the LUAS light rail project.
The TDs have signed a statement organised by a group called NorDubCo, which was founded by Finglas/Cabra, Ballymun and Northside Partnerships and Dublin City University to promote the economic and social development of northside Dublin.
The Government should include the region in light rail plans considering the levels of "concentrated deprivation", said the statement. The TDs say they are "extremely concerned that failure to proceed with such a route in the immediate future may mean that it is postponed indefinitely".
At a launch yesterday, Mr Chris O'Malley, NorDubCo manager, said the region had unemployment rates twice the national average. This "could be read-dressed with a strategic development plan aimed at attracting new industrial developments in the area".
A light rail service would help this to happen, said Mr O'Malley. There was worry that EU structural funds would run out before, the next phase of the light rail project was initiated.
Among the advantages of north Dublin for the light rail system and economic development were Dublin Airport, the extension to the M50 and the Dublin/Belfast corridor, said Mr O'Malley. "It is clear that quality public transport plays a critical role in the success or failure of new industrial developments, especially on the outskirts of urban areas.
The statement was signed by TDs from all parties except Democratic Left. The signatories are Mr Trevor Sargent; Mr lvor Callely; Mr Tommy Broughan; Mr Noel Ahern, Mr Joe Costello, Mr Sean Ryan; Mr Sean Kenny; Dr Michael Woods, Mr Jim Mitchell, Mr Derek McDowell, Mr Sean Haughey, Ms Mary Flaherty and Ms Roisin Shortall.
Mr O'Malley said there should be positive discrimination in favour of deprived areas when deciding on the light rail system. "This is the priority of the EU Commission as well, it isn't just about relieving traffic."