Varadkar admits only one rail plan to go ahead

ONLY one of three major rail projects planned under Transport 21 is likely to go ahead during the term of the current Government due to a lack of funding.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar admitted that a lack of financial resources meant construction would probably only begin on one of the projects under consideration — Metro North, the Dart Underground and the Luas BXD line — in the short-term.

A review of all major capital projects for both road and rail is under way as part of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. However, Mr Varadkar said no definite decision on which rail project would be prioritised would be made before next September.

“All three won’t go ahead, although that is not to say they won’t go ahead in the future,” said Mr Varadkar.

The minister said he would have to wait to see how much finance the Government would commit to the capital envelope for transport over the next few years before such a decision could be made.

The figure has already been reduced from €17 billion to €10.5bn for 2010-2015.

“We need to know how much is definitely available for capital projects in the next four or five years,” he explained.

While he declined to reveal his preference, he spoke positively of the benefits which would be delivered by the introduction of Metro North which will operate between St Stephen’s Green and Swords via Dublin Airport. “When it comes to Metro, nobody can doubt the transport case for it which is really excellent,” he said.

It is widely believed the Government will face a direct choice between Metro North and the Dart Underground — an option which many transport experts claim would prove more beneficial and cheaper than the Metro.

The Dart Underground is a 7.6km tunnel which will link all existing and planned rail services, including the Dart, commuter, inter-city, Luas and Metro North lines.

The Luas BXD line will extend the Green Line from St Stephen’s Green to O’Connell Street and on to Broombridge near Cabra.

Mr Varadkar also yesterday attended the first test run on the €150m Luas extension to Citywest and Saggart.