Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely accept the points made by both Deputies. I presume it is just a coincidence that they want to divide the project into a north phase and a south phase and start with the north phase and that they just happen to represent northside constituencies. These things happen from time to time, and coincidences are not unusual in politics. I accept their points but I would say as a southsider that there are special problems on the southside as well. Both Deputies alluded to the airport as being very crowded and seeing a huge demand from passengers coming into and out of the city and into St. Stephen's Green. I am sure they will be aware, however, that on the southside there is also chronic overcrowding on public transport from time to time due to the bulge in population there. Both sides of the city have equal cause and equal right to a voice and to put their case for getting the MetroLink more quickly than the other. The reason it was called MetroLink, I think, was to ensure there was not this north-south divide and that this magnificent piece of infrastructure went ahead in tandem and in accordance with the wishes of the NTA. I will not interfere with the proposed route or in the day-to-day activities of the NTA but I will relate to the authority the views of both Deputies, their bias for the northside and their preference for the project to start there. I will leave it up to the NTA to make a decision.

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