Sir, - I have followed with interest the debate, both political and engineering, over the planned light rail system for Dublin. There appear to be two main issues the lack of funds to build all three proposed lines, and the economic and traffic disruption during construction.
Both these issues could be resolved by two new but proven technologies, which would reduce the cost of the light rail system, and therefore enable all three lines to be built for the price of the funds presently available. One of the new technologies is a street track system, which can be rapidly installed at less cost, and in many cases leaving underground plant and utilities in place, without the need for costly relocation.
These new technologies would let Dublin enjoy the environmental benefits of a high quality light rail system, while speeding up construction and minimising dislocation, for an affordable price. A further benefit would he to allow extra lines to be added easily in future. - Yours, etc.,
John Moores University,
Liverpool.