Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

There is congestion at the three road junctions. This has been considered by the RPA. Many would prefer if the line was underground but we must consider the cost of stations being underground as well as the line. The World Bank tells us that an underground metro costs five to six times the cost of a metro at grade. The cost is affected less by tunnelling than by the construction of underground stations.

Discussions and consultation between the RPA and Ballymun Regeneration Limited are ongoing. The design and plan of the metro will ensure it has little impact on residents and that it will complement the townscape. There are opportunities for discussions and I expect no intrusion into the lives of those living in the vicinity if it is overground.

I accept Deputy Shortall's point that it will result in longer journey times but believe this will not be an issue. The at grade station will be adjacent to the road junction. The metro will accelerate or slow down and the timing of the traffic signals can be synchronised with the departure of the metro. The RPA has estimated that a stop at grade would add less than a minute to journey times. The RPA does not believe that less people will use the service because it is at grade. I will bring the Deputy's views to the attention of the RPA and the Minister, even though I am sure she is in contact with them.

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