Brennan still determined to build metro in Dublin

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has revealed that he is still determined to build an underground metro system between Dublin city centre and Dublin airport.

Speaking at the official launch of the capital’s LUAS light-rail system, Mr Brennan said finance for the metro project would have to be raised.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern raised concerns that it would not be possible to build the system in the near future. But speaking at the opening of the first Luas line in the Sandyford depot in Dublin, Minister Brennan said: “I certainly would like to get started on it.

“I think it’s a possibility provided we can get our sums right. We have a lot of work to do on the financial aspects but hopefully over the coming months, we can get these aspects sorted out and come to a final decision.”

The cabinet is due to make its decision on the Metro project within weeks.

The new Luas line from Sandyford to St Stephen’s Green will carry 20,000 passengers a day, with trains arriving at the 13 stops every 10 minutes.

Minister Brennan said that Luas was not only for the people of Dublin but for people all over the country.

“Today Luas returned a tram service to Dublin, 45 years since it finished. It reflects a new vibrant Dublin and the country as a whole.”

He paid tribute to the tram drivers who had worked in the old Dublin Transport Company, many of whom were in the 300-strong audience at the Sandyford depot.

He also rejected criticism of the LUAS system and said Dubliners would have the final say on whether the project was worth it.

He added that he looked forward to seeing what nicknames Dubliners could come up with for the Luas.

“I have already heard it referred to as the Daniel Day,” he said.