Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I return to a subject which I have raised previously, which is the proposed multi-billion euro, 19 km, high frequency, high capacity rail link from beyond the airport to the south side of our city, called MetroLink. It has been talked about since 2001. As a project, it will potentially reduce the congestion on city streets, reduce the number of cars and help us all to achieve our carbon action targets. It would come through my own home constituency of Dublin Central, by DCU, Albert College Park, which I have raised here before, through Phibsborough, Harts Corner, Glasnevin, by the Mater, Berkeley Road, and down to O'Connell Street, then beyond, to the south side. The delays that are being spoken about until 2034 represent a minimum of an extra decade of talking about it. As I said at the start, it is a multi-billion euro project. There is a significant concern because this is not only an infrastructure and transportation project but it is a project that directly impacts people's lives, the economy, our society, our schools, our education facilities, health facilities, and people's homes. That includes people living in Dalcassian Downs and on Berkeley Road. It affects Na Fianna GAA club and Home Farm Football Club. These are all vital community infrastructure. There are big names outside Dublin Central.

We need the Minister for Transport to come into the House to explain what is causing the delays because from what I have heard, there is no change in the Government commitment to it. We need to understand why there are delays, what is being done to address the delays and the timescale, and what will be done in the interim to address the congestion. Much road space has been taken in Dublin Central, with improved cycling and pedestrian facilities, but the congestion is substantial and we need a plan for the next ten years to make sure the project is delivered on time and that in the interim, the congestion, pollution and all associated costs are addressed.