Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter FitzPatrick
In case the minister hasn't noticed, the westlink is already 4 lanes in each direction, its the removal of the toll building & replacement with an overhead gantry scanner thats at issue. He's also contradicting the NRA, who target completion for August 2008.
Some solace in the government finally seeing fit to borrow for T21; 5,6 & 8 billion through to 2009. Its clearer than ever that Government priority is roads with lip service to rail, despite comment, all roads are on or ahead of schedule.
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I know this is a Rail Users site. However, given the high cost and inflexible workforce that IR have to work with, it's hardly surprising that priority is being given to roads. Roads may be slower but they are currently the only economic way of moving freight around the country, as proved by IR's closing of this division (a stance supported by this User Group). From a passenger perspective they are fully open to bus route competition (ignoring Bus Eireann's predatory pricing and practices that needs to be outlawed); Citylink seem to be doing very well.
I agree with National Rail projects being secondary to National Road projects. However, where priority is needed is in Cork & Greater Dublin Area Rail & Luas projects. The Western Rail Corridor was pondered to instead.