[caption id="attachment_1105" align="alignleft" width="1280"]

Hamburg Metro[/caption]The Green Party has given a cautious welcome to the Metrolink plans, but has called on the Government not to kill off the DART Underground proposal. Green Party Transport Spokesperson Councillor Ciarán Cuffe said: “This is clearly good news for Dublin and once built will provide improved north-south connectivity within the city. However it is worth noting that had the then Fine Gael-led Government proceeded with the Metro-North plans for which tenders had been received in 2010, we would be riding on the Metro next year, instead of waiting almost another decade for the project to be delivered. Fianna Fáil and the Greens had a shovel-ready project ready to start when we left office in 2011 that could have delivered much-needed jobs during that period. The stop-start approach to large infrastructure projects cannot continue.“Minister Ross should clarify what has happened to the DART Underground plans. It would provide connectivity to communities in West Dublin and the surrounding counties, and it seems to have been killed off as part of today's announcement. It is crucial that disadvantaged communities in West Dublin are not abandoned in transport plans.“It is also important that Metrolink does not empty the purse for the much-needed pedestrian, cycling and bus infrastructure that is needed if we are deliver on low-carbon transport options for Dublin City and the region over the next decade.“Lessons must be learnt from the Luas Cross-City project. It is important that traffic bottlenecks are anticipated and tackled well in advance of works commencing, and that pedestrian, cyclist and bus-users needs are integrated into the planning process. It is equally important that public engagement be stepped up in the months ahead. Communities, and organizations such as Na Fianna GAA Club in Glasnevin have legitimate concerns that need to be addressed from the start.“I urge Transport Infrastructure to appoint architects, landscapers and designers as well as engineers to the project at an early stage, so that the final look of the projects is considered, and to ensure that the 'Luashenge' proliferation of unsightly junction boxes is not repeated. It is also important that the project does not unduly impinge on the trees and landscaping of St. Stephen's Green and other amenities. Perhaps a visit to Hamburg might be in order for Minister Ross so that he can see the high standard of design in their recently completed underground stations.” ENDSIssued and uploaded 23rd March 2018