Dempsey Announces Selected Route for Metro West

Date: 05 July 2007

- To accommodate in excess of 20 million passengers per year
- Under 30 minutes from Blanchardstown to Dublin Airport
- Under 60 minutes from Tallaght to Dublin Airport
- Trains every 4 to 5 minutes at peak hours

Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport and Maritime Affairs today (Thursday 5th July 2007) announced the next phase in the development of a Metro system for Dublin under the Government’s Transport 21 investment programme. This new 25km route, known as Metro West, will operate from Tallaght through Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown linking with Metro North at Metropark, south of Dublin Airport.

Following a detailed public consultation exercise which involved the consideration of two possible route options, the Board of the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) chose the Metro West route being announced today.

Speaking today Minister Dempsey said: “West Dublin has seen some of the most intense growth in housing and other development in recent times with all of the challenges that this brings. Metro West will facilitate the residents of West Dublin and it will accommodate in excess of 20 million passengers per year thus removing a considerable volume of car journeys from the road network. It will be a modern, attractive and highly accessible transit system for Dublin commuters to enjoy. Park and Ride sites at strategic locations such as Blanchardstown, Huntstown and Liffey Valley, in addition to existing Park and Ride at Luas and Metro North will facilitate car drivers from beyond the Metro West catchment area to transfer to public transport.”

Metro West will run on the surface and the tracks will be separate from road traffic. It will cross road junctions in a similar manner to Luas, although bridges will be required at major roads, railways and other crossings. It will have up to 20 stops for passengers who want to make the journey between Tallaght East and Metropark, south of Dublin Airport. Among the stops under consideration are: Tallaght East, Belgard, St. Brigid’s, Clondalkin, Fonthill, Rowlagh, Liffey Valley, Porterstown, Millennium Park, Blanchardstown, National Aquatic Centre, Abbotstown, Huntstown, Meakstown, Silloge, Harristown, and Metropark, where it will join with Metro North.

Construction of Metro West is due to be completed in 2014, subject to the successful obtaining of a Railway Order (i.e. Planning permission) from An Bord Pleanála. It is estimated that construction of Metro West will take up to five years.

Minister Dempsey concluded: “Metro West can act as a catalyst for urban and suburban regeneration similar to the experience on Luas. Investment will be attracted into the areas served by the Metro and the potential will open up for the development of new commercial and service facilities along its route.”

Issued by: Olive Stephens, 087 7601642
Veronica Scanlan, 087 6430622