Dublin Chamber of Commerce gives guarded welcome to transport funding

Dublin Chamber of Commerce has today welcomed Government plans to invest billions in the city's transport network, but warned that construction involved could cause widespread disruption.

The Government’s decision to include Metro North and DART Underground in ‘Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016’ will reduce the huge cost of traffic congestion on Dublin businesses in the long term, according to Dublin Chamber.

"The Government has shown its commitment to the long-term value that these projects will bring to Dublin and Ireland as a whole," said Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive.

"It is now time for the Minister for Transport to put pressure on the agencies that will deliver these projects so that impact of construction is properly managed and is as non-disruptive to the city centre as possible.

"These projects will involve a range of organisations – Irish Rail, Dublin City Council, Railway Procurement Agency, National Transport Authority, and two different contractors.

"The Minister has successfully received the full backing of Government, now the focus must be on delivering these projects quickly while ensuring it is business as usual for Dublin’s tourists, traders and commuters."

The Railway Order Applications (railway equivalent to planning permission) of Metro North, DART Underground as well as the Luas BxD, which will only have preliminary work being carried out, are currently with An Bord Pleanála.

DART Underground and Luas BxD applications were submitted at end of June, while a decision on Metro North is expected in August.