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Luas
under fire again
ATTACKS
on construciton of the Luas system have hightened following
recent reports that the Tallaght line may not open until
the end of 2005 instead of summer 2004.
The
project has been beseiged by delays and critiscism regarding
spirialing costs.
Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan, recently admitted
there were problems with the layout at the Red Cow Roundabout
but insisted the project would be a success.
It’s understood a proposal to raise trams “on
stilts” at the roundabout at a cost of an extra
e30m is being considered following a report showing
that this was possible.
However, this could entail a lenghty public enqiry and
preperation of a new enviorimental impact statement
which would further delay the project.
Another aspect of the project came under fire last week
from Fine Gael’s Dublin spokesperson, Senator Brian
Hayes.
He called on Luas to clarify the total number of car
park spaces that are to be provided for the Tallaght
Luas line.
“From
information I have received, 750 spaces are to be provided
at the Red Cow Roundabout and 450 spaces at the Square,”
he said.
“That’s
just 1,200 car spaces for the entire Luas line from
town to Tallaght.
“Two
main national routes, the N81 and the N7 intersect the
Luas line and it seems crazy that so few ‘park
and ride’ facilities are provided.
“Moving
people from their car to public transport can only work
if you provide a safe and convenient place to park their
car. I want an assurance from the Railway Procurement
Agency that these spaces will be ready for when the
Luas line eventually comes into operation.”
Meanwhile the Green Party has launched a campaign to
have the two Luas lines linked up.
Party TD’s Eamon Ryan and Ciarán Cuffe launched
the campaign to join up the Sandyford and Tallaght lines
with the recent signing of a giant postcard at College
Green.
“We
plan to distribute thousands of postcards addressed
to the Minister for Transport urging him to ‘join
the dots’ and connect the two Luas light rail lines
in the centre of Dublin,” said Deputy Cuffe.
“We
need a public transport system that is joined and integrated.
What is the point of going to all this expense and disruption
if you are not prepared to join the lines and offer
Dubliners a proper integrated transport system?”
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