Sir. - With regard to the ongoing argument regarding the proposed LRT system for the Dublin area, the following important points have not, so far, been deemed worthy of exposure.
Firstly, the development of LUAS system has been left largely for discussion to the "insiders", including engineering consultants. What about the consumers and taxpayers who will ultimately be affected by the development? Secondly, are the public aware that only six kilometres of the "tram system" will be assigned to existing railway track (i.e., Harcourt Street line), leaving most of the construction work to be undertaken on our already, severely congested roads. Thirdly, with comparable systems in operation in Sheffield and Manchester the retail sector suffered a 30 per cent decrease in business on any streets affected by the tram implementation scheme.
Finally, if the Government is adamant about spending money on improving the capital's transport system, it is worth noting that for the same price as the Dundrum and Tallaght lines more than 20 quality bus corridors could be constructed serving a far greater percentage of the population and, incidentally, Ballymun as well. This would fill the socio economic void that the EU is concerned about and also ease the transport worries of the greater Dublin area, north and south. Surely these are more important points than pleasing construction/consulting engineers! - Yours, etc.
Cornelscourt Hill,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.