Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has said the delivery of both Metro North and DART Extension must remain priorities for Government following their inclusion in the National Development Plan.
“I am pleased the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the delivery of Metro North to Dublin Airport and Swords, and the DART extension to serve Donabate, Rush & Lusk, Skerries, and Balbriggan.
“As part of the Government’s National Development Plan, Metro North will connect to the south city centre, and then travel southward towards Sandyford using the existing Luas line. This will be positive in terms of avoiding any additional traffic congestion on our roads, particularly when Metro North services begin.
“While the Government’s commitment to these projects is certainly positive, the fact remains that communities across the North County are still waiting for the sod to be turned on both of these projects. Advancing both of these projects to construction stage must be an absolute priority for Government.
“As the local Fine Gael TD in Dublin Fingal, I will continue to raise both of these projects with the Minister for Transport until they are finally delivered to serve residents in the North County.
“It is understandable that people may be somewhat sceptical of the delivery of these projects, given the timeframe over which they have been promised. I also find myself frustrated by the ongoing discussion of this investment in our community, when these projects have not reached the construction stage yet. Slippages in the timeframe for delivery of Metro North and DART extension going forward cannot be accepted.
“The North County has already waited too long for these vital pieces of transport infrastructure to be delivered. In this regard, the Minister and Transport Infrastructure Ireland must realise that action speaks louder than words. They have a responsibility to ensure every resident in the North County is aware of the action taking place, and that Metro North and DART extension are not simply being used as soundbites to generate media attention.
“In contrast to the actions of the previous Fianna Fáil led Government which originally promised Metro to the Airport, when Fine Gael in Government announced its intention to pursue this project in the 2015 Capital Plan, the green light was given for the delivery of the entire project, including both planning and construction.
“With regard to the delivery of both Metro North and DART Extension to the Donabate, Rush & Lusk, Skerries and Balbriggan stations, I understand that for a number of people it may be a case of having to see works commencing to finally believe these projects will be delivered for our community.
“To those people, I wish to state that Fine Gael in Government is committed to the delivery of both of these vital pieces of transport infrastructure for our local communities. Furthermore, as an elected representative for Dublin Fingal, I will work to hold the Government to account in relation to both of these projects, and to ensure no further unnecessary delays occur in finally making Metro North and DART Extension a reality for communities, and commuters in Swords, Donabate and Portrane, Rush and Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan, and throughout the greater North County.”