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09th Nov 2021

Dublin’s MetroLink pushed back by another ten years in new transport plans

Stephen Porzio

Meanwhile, the Dart Underground project has been postponed for at least 20 years.

The introduction of the proposed MetroLink for Dublin has been pushed back by another ten years, according to a new draft strategy published by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The transport plans outline that while planning permission for the line that would link Dublin Airport to the city centre will be sought next year, the line itself is not expected to operate until after 2031.

Also not expected to be delivered until at least 10 years from now are a host of other major planned rail projects including new Luas lines to Bray, Finglas, Lucan and Poolbeg, as well as a Navan rail line.

Meanwhile, the long-awaited Dart underground – which would connect Heuston Station to the Dart line – is not included in the document which accounts for plans as far out as 2042.

Among newly-proposed plans in the strategy are a further eight Luas extensions and new lines to Clongriffin, Balgriffin, Tyrellstown, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Tallaght/Kimmage, Tallaght/Knocklyon and UCD/Sandyford.

According to the document, these routes will not be ready for construction until after 2042.

In a statement, the NTA says that under its draft revised GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042, “greenhouse gases linked to public transport will fall dramatically”.

It states this will be due to further investment in Dart and Luas services, which are already fully electric, as well as a “complete transition away from fossil fuels for buses within 13 years”.

The transport proposals also include an acceleration of investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, which the NTA says will also deliver “substantial greenhouse gas reductions during the lifetime of this strategy”.

The NTA published the strategy for public consultation and is now calling for the public to share their views on the plans.

“I would invite you to go to the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area section on our website to read about our proposals and to have your say,” NTA Chief Executive Officer Anne Graham said.

“We’d like you to let us know what you think. If there are improvements you think we should make, please let us know. If you think we have missed something or have not paid it adequate attention, this is your opportunity to share that with us.

“This is a unique opportunity for us all to help shape the future of this region.”

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