The Green Party has expressed disappointment with the Government's decision today to cut the Metrolink Project in half.

Ciarán Cuffe the Green Party's Transport Spokesperson said:

"Today's announcement is a body blow to those who want a dramatic improvement in public transport in Dublin. Putting half of the MetroLink on the long finger is the wrong decision. This project should be the spine along which the city can develop over the next fifty years.

"If we are serious about tackling climate change we need MetroLink now, as well as other key projects that have been put on the back-burner. This includes the following:

Substantial investments in walking and cycling infrastructure
DART Underground from Docklands to West Dublin
Reconsideration of MetroWest
Electrification of commuter rail lines
Luas Green line northward extensions to Finglas/M50
Luas Green line southward extensions to Shankill and Bray
Luas Red line extension to the Poolbeg peninsula

"If we were to invest similar amounts that have been put into road schemes in the Dublin Region into public transport we would be well placed to give people an alternative to the car. However the time to invest is now, rather that long-fingering key investment decisions.

“It is disappointing that homes in the College Gate apartment complex as well as the Markievicz Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre are proposed for demolition. It is crucial that a new city centre Council-owned Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool is provided prior to the closure of the existing facility, and that residents are offered alternative accommodation nearby.”

Issued and uploaded 26th March 2019