Executive body set to deliver capital transport plan

A high-powered executive body will be established within months to drive forward the new multi-billion euro transport plan in the capital, a senior minister said.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said an agency to integrate plans for the greater Dublin area was essential, with two Metro lines, more suburban rail services and seven new Luas projects outlined under the €34.4bn blueprint.

Mr Cullen said: “We need a new approach to transport in the Greater Dublin area, delivered through a single authority, with real powers to ensure joined up thinking and delivery across all the transport modes.”

At the launch of the massive blueprint Mr Cullen said he would be bringing proposals for the agency to the Cabinet at an unspecified time, however, he has now pledged the high-powered executive body will be introduced within months.

The Transport Department said the executive body was vital due to the integration between all the services outlined in the plan including the Luas, Metro and suburban rail services.

Mr Cullen said the blueprint was not a wish list of projects but an integrated solution to Ireland’s transport needs.

But opposition parties are sceptical the Government can deliver on the ambitious “Transport 21” blueprint before 2015.

Under the plan, the two Luas light rail lines in Dublin city centre will be linked by 2008 and extra services will be extended to docklands and Citywest.

A “Metro North” line is due to be built from St Stephen’s Green in the city centre to Swords by 2014, which will ensure commuters will be able to reach Dublin airport within 17 minutes.

The Metro North will link up with “Metro West” which will connect to the existing Tallaght Luas line and serve communities in Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown.

A new terminal train station will be established in the Docklands and a rail interconnector tunnel will be built by 2015 linking suburban lines from Heuston station.

The blueprint also outlines plans for an underground integrated transport station at St Stephen’s Green in the city centre.

Employers’ body IBEC has warned planning regulations will have to be reformed if the plan is successful.