Metro North Railway Order welcomed by RPA

Date: 28 October 2010

The granting of a Railway Order today for Metro North is welcomed by RPA. This represents a significant milestone in the creation of a high quality, sustainable, integrated public transport network for Dublin.

An Bord Pleanála has approved the development of a metro line from St. Stephen’s Green to Estuary Stop north of Swords. Transporting people efficiently and in the most sustainable manner is vital for the economic, social and environmental well-being of any city. Tackling traffic congestion is essential for the health of the capital and the country, now and in the future.

RPA notes the decision by An Bord Pleanála that the depot for the metro should be relocated to a more central location south of the airport. RPA has already developed proposals for a depot in this location and will proceed to apply for permission for this depot as required by An Bord Pleanála in the near future.

This order provides sufficient clarity for RPA to now proceed to the final stage of the PPP procurement process. This is due to be complete by the end of 2011, by which time we would expect the conditions attached to the order to be satisfied.

In the meantime, the order also permits RPA to proceed with the enabling works as planned. These works, involving diversion of utilities in the city centre and heritage works are due to commence in March 2011.

RPA is pleased with the process and would like to acknowledge the significant time and effort devoted to the application by the Inspector and his team and by An Bord Pleanála.

Ends.

Article courtesy of Railway Procurement Agency