'Indicative' timelines for major public transport projects can be moved forward, says minister
Lord Mayor for Dublin Ray McAdam and minister for transport Darragh O'Brien with other dignitaries at the re-opening of the restored Luas bridge at Georges Dock in Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
Timelines for major public transport projects in updated Government plans are merely “indicative” and can be accelerated, transport minister Darragh O’Brien has said, amid criticism that critical infrastructure is being stalled.
The Government has come in for criticism for its updated National Development Plan (NDP) allocation for the transport sector, with questions having arisen in particular about Dart+ South West, which is to increase train capacity on the line from 12 per hour to 23 per hour.
The NDP’s sectoral plan now estimates procurement for the project will begin by 2028/2029, before construction commences in 2030. Previous transport minister Eamon Ryan said the project would be open by the end of the decade, having said construction would begin in 2025.
Mr O’Brien was questioned about the possible delay to the construction of the Dart+ South West, saying that the tender for preparatory work has been awarded. He said there is a range of dates for when projects can begin.
“If we can move projects forward, we will. Dart+ South West is something I’m absolutely committed to,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I have to manage the projects within the capital that I have, to be realistic. We’ve a very significant investment between exchequer and ICNF [Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund], just short of €25bn, and I have total flex within that.”
Mr O’Brien said if projects like Dart+ South West and Luas Finglas progressed, they could be accelerated beyond the timelines set out within the sectoral plan.
Pressed on whether Dart+ South West would commence next year, Mr O’Brien said “it might”. He said he was supportive of plans like Dart+ South West and other rail projects, including Metrolink.
“The timelines given within the document, which I think is very clear, are indicative.”
On Luas Finglas, Mr O’Brien said initial drafts he has seen could see the line in operation by 2031 or 2032, depending on whether the project gets “clean planning” without judicial review. He said construction could begin before the plans mooted 2029, saying it is his intention.
“That is effectively off-road construction. That line is there, it’s one of the simpler projects that will have one of the greatest impacts,” Mr O’Brien said.
However, the Green Party’s transport spokesperson, Cllr Feljin Jose, criticised what he described as a return to an old pattern of focusing on road developments.
“DART+ South West received planning permission last year, began procurement this year, and should have started construction next year. Luas Finglas has just been approved too,” Mr Jose said.
“Tens of thousands of homes are planned or being built with these projects in mind. Delaying their construction will lead to long and stressful commutes, traffic and car-dependency from the outset.”
Yesterday, Mr O’Brien defended the removal of the 2:1 ratio of spending on public transport compared to roads.
“We’ve never seen as many public transport projects actually being delivered in a five-year period,” Mr O’Brien said, citing further investment in Metrolink.
“In relation to roads, roads are critical for connectivity and actually from a road safety perspective and a climate perspective as well.”
A number of projects based in Cork received funding from the plan, including between €1.2bn and €2bn going towards the building of the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway.
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