Metro set for swift delivery due to construction appetite

THE most ambitious public transport project in our history will enjoy a smooth delivery - thanks to the success of the Luas.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) will, next week, celebrate its fifth birthday on the crest of an unprecedented swell of public enthusiasm for the work on its agenda, including a metro under the capital city.

Its chairman Padraic White said the Luas captured the public’s imagination and, in turn, the tram network thrived on goodwill.

The RPA estimate only 4% of passengers dodge the ticketing system, which had helped to turn the Luas into a profit making enterprise ahead of schedule.

However, the most difficult project to fall into the RPA’s lap is the Metro system which has already completed the first phase of public consultation.

Mr White said there was a different appetite for construction compared to previous times. “I have no doubt the success of the initial Luas has led to more Luas lines and a more ambitious programme in the transport 21 plan.

“Everybody was saying the Luas wouldn’t work, that we wouldn’t be able to attract the number of passengers, that with two disconnected lines people would not go for it and that it was going to be loss making. That has not been the case.

“One big thing has been the attitude of the business community. If you talk to the Dublin City Centre Traders Association they know there will be disruption but they are still big supporters and they want to take the risk.”

The RPA aims to link the Luas lines, commence work on the extension to the Point Theatre, advance the orbital rail route and push forward the light rail system to northwest Dublin.

The message it has already sent to developers and landowners has been it wants to move quickly and get working where the mood is good.

“I think we made it very clear we were not going to hang around,” Mr White said.