Construction BUSINESS

A part of new transport plans is a new Metro South for Dublin that would link up with Metro North and provide a rail link from Swords to Bride’s Glen.

The National Transport Authority’s policy sets out decisions in the Greater Dublin Area for the next 20 years and also comprises Luas links to Finglas, Lucan, Bray and Poolbeg.

But the Metro West line once intended as an orbital route hyphenation the airport with Tallaght is not sealed.

The controversial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system with lines from Blanchardstown to UCD and from Clongriffin to Tallaght, is included in the plan as well. Another line from Swords/Dublin Airport to the city centre will operate until Metro North is completed.

Many Dublin businesses feel it is not suited to a city centre environment, therefore the BRT system will involve streets becoming bus only.

To have Orbital bus routes that will provide connections from Dún Laoghaire to Kilbarrack, Dundrum to Finglas and Ranelagh to Drumcondra is also planned.

There are provisions for an enhanced cycle network, enhanced pedestrian facilities and more Park and Ride centres. It proposes limits on workplace parking where public transport facilities are available as well.

Metro South will include future upgrades of the Luas Green Line and linking up underground with Metro North and on surface to combine with Luas Cross City.

The plan covers ‘The Greater Dublin Area’ encompassing an area from Arklow, Co Wicklow to just south of Drogheda, Co Louth and west to Monasterevin in Co Kildare and covers regional bus and heavy rail links.

At the end of the year it will be published on which decisions projects to proceed with over the next six years.