Sir, – Michael McDowell correctly criticises the State for massively overspending on big infrastructure projects (“Before Metrolink juggernaut becomes a money pit, let’s look at alternatives”, Opinion & Analysis, December 27th). But this is not a problem unique to Ireland: just look at Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
However, his solution to the repeatedly delayed Metrolink of delaying it even further to consider new ideas is a recipe for causing the very problems that he criticises.
It should be pointed out that Metro North had a non-contentious route selected which received planning permission in 2011, some 12 years ago! But instead of simply reusing this pre-approved route, successive transport ministers couldn’t help but get out their crayons and draw new routes, extend it down the Green Line, or over to UCD or Terenure.
All this did was anger residents and businesses and waste more time and money on useless unwanted designs. And the result is that the planning application for Metrolink was only submitted several weeks ago. Twelve years of delays! For what?
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Mr McDowell’s solution is to consider compulsory purchasing of homes to flatten them. Just look at the rows that will cause with homeowners whose homes will become worthless because they may be affected? It is delusional to think this will all be sorted in just 12 weeks!
The big problem with MetroNorth/Metrolink is not the project itself, but interfering busybody ministers and other commentators who are unwilling to let things get built and think they have the magic solution. – Yours, etc,
JASON FITZHARRIS,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Huge volume is required for public transport at Dublin Airport. Even the Luas would not provide that volume. Pause for a moment and think about the volume of people that would get on a very light tram at Dublin Airport.
It would render all the other stops on the line useless because it would be full.
There are other alternatives. Extension of the Dart from Clongriffin to include an express train to Connolly; ideally that option would include the construction of an underground link between Connolly and Heuston.
Once the above is done, very light rail could be considered at Dublin Airport.
We have also heard recently about plans to expand Dublin Airport. But why not develop Shannon Airport as a counterweight? Build a rail spur from Sixmilebridge and encourage travellers in the south and west of Ireland to use Shannon by improving access. There is a railway line in use from Ballina to Rosslare. That rail should be double-tracked and tax breaks given to residential and commercial developments within 5km of stations along that route.
I do agree with the view that Metrolink is not the best option. There are definitely better and quicker options. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN O’SHEA,
Kilmacow,
Co Kilkenny.