Rail Users Ireland Forum - View Single Post - [Article] DART airport plan on track as Metro North hits the buffers

Jack O'Neill · 05-10-2011, 14:38

on RTE news website...

Metro North has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála despite doubts about the future of the project

Metro North has been given the final go-ahead despite doubts about the future of the project.

The Rail Procurement Agency was given permission for a 16.5-km track from St Stephen's Green to Swords last October.

But An Bord Pleanála had shortened the proposed route and asked that the rail depot be moved from Belinstown north of Swords to Dardistown south of Dublin Airport.

Today the board approved revised plans which would also involve permission for acquisition of lands.

Two plots are occupied by sports clubs Na Fianna and Whitehall Rangers. There is also land owned by Fingal County Council used as an aircraft viewing area and land belonging to the Dublin Airport Authority.

The permission will last for 10 years meaning these lands and others along the route cannot be developed by anyone else in the meantime.

It is reported that Transport Minister Leo Varadkar will announce before the end of the year the postponement of both Metro North and the Underground DART - the combined cost is estimated at €5 billion.

But the Rail Procurement Agency is reported to have already spent €200 million on the Metro project and is now due to select a winning bid to build and operate Metro North from two competing consortiums Celtic Metro and Metro Express.

It is also understood the successful company would be entitled to compensation if the project is deferred.

Mr Varadkar recently announced that the Metro West project would not be going through the planning process.

05-10-2011, 14:38	#63
Jack O'Neill Regular Poster Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mornington Crescent Posts: 81	Metro North gets final Bord Pleanála go-ahead on RTE news website... Metro North has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála despite doubts about the future of the project Metro North has been given the final go-ahead despite doubts about the future of the project. The Rail Procurement Agency was given permission for a 16.5-km track from St Stephen's Green to Swords last October. But An Bord Pleanála had shortened the proposed route and asked that the rail depot be moved from Belinstown north of Swords to Dardistown south of Dublin Airport. Today the board approved revised plans which would also involve permission for acquisition of lands. Two plots are occupied by sports clubs Na Fianna and Whitehall Rangers. There is also land owned by Fingal County Council used as an aircraft viewing area and land belonging to the Dublin Airport Authority. The permission will last for 10 years meaning these lands and others along the route cannot be developed by anyone else in the meantime. It is reported that Transport Minister Leo Varadkar will announce before the end of the year the postponement of both Metro North and the Underground DART - the combined cost is estimated at €5 billion. But the Rail Procurement Agency is reported to have already spent €200 million on the Metro project and is now due to select a winning bid to build and operate Metro North from two competing consortiums Celtic Metro and Metro Express. It is also understood the successful company would be entitled to compensation if the project is deferred. Mr Varadkar recently announced that the Metro West project would not be going through the planning process.