Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Darren O’Rourke TD, today responded to the publication of the National Transport Authority’s Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy.

Teachta O’Rourke said the government appears to have abandoned rail in the plan and said he struggles to see how we can deliver the modal shift required to meet transport emissions reduction targets based on active travel and bus services alone.

The Meath East TD said:

“While I welcome many of the aspects of this plan, I am deeply disappointed to again see major rail and light rail projects kicked further down the road.

“The Metro Link and Luas connections to Lucan, Bray and Poolbeg are all stalled for at least another ten years.

“Despite the rail line to Navan being the largest single issue raised during this strategy’s consultation, a shovel won’t be lifted this side of 2031.

“Meanwhile, the DART Underground, a project originally considered in the 1972 transportation in Dublin study, has been shelved altogether, but might be revisited after 2042, a mere seventy years later.

“Seventy years thinking about one project is unbelievable.

“These delays will come as a major blow to residents across Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow and the thousands of people who commute every day.

“The city is gridlocked with traffic and we desperately need new rail and tram connections to provide quality transport options for people.

“I struggle to see how we can deliver the modal shift required to halve our transport emissions over the next decade based on active travel and bus services alone.

“How is our capital city supposed to transition to sustainable modes of transport when the Government will not provide the alternatives?

“I think the government has missed a huge opportunity to invest in major projects now that will deliver significant environmental, social and economic benefits over the next few decades.”