Brendan Ryan, Labour Party TD for Dublin North, today voiced his disappointment at the decision to shelve the proposals
for Metro North.
“Whilst I am not surprised that Metro North has been deferred, I am bitterly disappointed. I strongly believe investment
in key infrastructural projects which would have a long term gain for communities and businesses, is vital at this time. Metro
North is one such project.”
The Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework report articulates that Metro North
has been postponed for consideration in advance of the next capital programme which will be drawn up in 2015 and will cover
the period from 2016 onwards.
“I very much welcome the news that the National Children’s Hospital is included in the plan yet it is with
some regret that it will not be connected to North Dublin and the city centre by Metro North. I will be impressing on the
Minister for Transport and the Minister for Health over the next few months that whilst the much needed National Children’s
Hospital is proceeding, construction must include provisions for an eventual Metro North station.
“It is a disappointing day for the people of Swords who will remain bereft of a rail link for the foreseeable future
and consigned to the heavy traffic along the M1 corridor. I will continue to support Metro North to ensure that this deferral
is indeed just that: a deferral and not a cancellation. I am encouraged that the report does assure people that Metro North
remains a key element of the overall integrated transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, and will be progressed when
fiscal and market conditions improve.”