Greens set out proposed Dublin Metro line

The Green Party has released a set of proposals for the Dublin Metro Line. A key component of the plans is the extension of the first phase of the metro to include Bray and Swords.

The party expressed fears that international financiers may choose a route which has good short term revenue returns but would not benefit the public. It said the extension of the first phase would improve the overall economic viability of the line.

Party leader Trevor Sargent accused the current Government of failing to deliver on public transport. "As it stands there is little interest or no understanding among the public as to how this new Metro system will work. The future shape of the new Metro will be decided in the next few months and the Greens are today setting a preferred route and a funding structure for the plan," he said.

The plans involve a 6km underground stretch from near Dunville Avenue in Ranelagh with underground stations every kilometre at Harcourt Station, Stephens Green, Tara Street, The Rotunda and Broadstone. The completion of the inner-city underground rail connector would link the Sligo rail line to Heuston station with stops at Spenser Dock, Pearse Street, Stephens Green and the Liberties.

"This route would connect the four mainline rail lines into the city and would allow for services from Naas to Howth and from Bray to Blanchardstown," said Green Party Transport spokesperson, Cllr Eamon Ryan.

Cllr Ryan said that 30 international companies had expressed an interest in the Dublin Metro project. "We feel that a consortium which included the Irish people as a major equity partner would have the benefits of private sector experience while also insuring that the Irish taxpayer gets the best value for money."