Submission proposes new stations at Rathfarnham, Terenure and Rathmines, and connection with Donabate train station
The Green Party have proposed the rerouting of the MetroLink to serve South-West Dublin to alleviate decades-long traffic gridlock.
In their submission to the MetroLink Public Consultation, the Party propose that the Metro seperates from the Luas Green Line at Charlemont, to serve new stations in Rathfarnham, Terenure, and Rathmines. The proposal would also see the MetroLink extended to Donabate in North Dublin – connecting the service to Intercity Rail Services.
Speaking today, Green Party Councillor Francis Noel Duffy said: “I’m delighted that, after many years, Dublin will finally see quality investment in a Metro line, serving the north of the city. However, I’m concerned at the proposal to dig up the existing Luas line south of Charlemont Station, considering it has only recently been constructed. I believes we’ll get better value for money by extending the MetroLink to serve South-West Dublin, with new stations at Rathmines, Terenure, and Rathfarnham. In the future, this would leave the potential for the Metro to be extended towards Tallaght, further connecting the city’s rail transport infrastructure.
“This transport corridor in South West Dublin is one of the worst public transport blackspots in our city with no other easy solutions in sight. Taking this option would also remove the need to fully segregate the Luas Green Line, where there is real concern about restrictions to local access around existing stations. If Dublin and Ireland sees itself standing alongside its international counterparts, a modern accessible city rail infrastructure is needed. We believe our proposal offers that.”
Commenting on the submission, Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan stressed the importance of making the MetroLink ‘DART Underground-ready’, and connecting to Intercity Rail Services at Donabate:
“The current Metrolink plans have removed any provision for a future connection with the DART Interconnector. This was always seen as a twin project that would enhance and benefit from the new Metro line. We should put in space for the Dart station in St Stephen’s Green at the same time we dig a big hole for the Metro station at the same site.
“The current Metrolink plans have removed any provision for a future connection with the DART Interconnector. This was always seen as a twin project that would enhance and benefit from the new Metro line. We should put in space for the Dart station in St Stephen’s Green at the same time we dig a big hole for the Metro station at the same site.
“We also want to extend the line on the North side to the mainline rail station at Donabate. This would provide far more useful connectivity than the massive park and ride car park planned for Lissenhall which will only add more congestion to the M1 Motorway which is already at full capacity.”
Further information:
A copy of the submission can be found here.
