Sir, – As the Government starts the process of preparing the public for the fact that this new vanity project is going to cost many more billions of euros than originally claimed, one has to wonder if the Cabinet discussions involved how many homes could be built?
Or how many special needs assistants could be supported, how many creches provided, how much energy support supplied or how many water leaks could be fixed with that same money? – Yours, etc,
DAVE ROBBIE,
Booterstown,
RM Block
Co Dublin.
Sir, – In his letter (July 24th), Stephen Keegan selectively quotes a few words from my substantial contribution to the Report and Final Stages Dáil debate on the Transport (Dublin Light Rail) (No.2) Bill, 1996.
The letter misrepresents the meaning and context of my contribution to that debate.
The amendments being debated, tabled by the late Séamus Brennan TD and supported by me, in summary, proposed an integrated system of a number of light rail lines for Dublin city and suburbs, including provision of detailed costings for a variety of options before final decisions on public transport infrastructure were legislated for.
The following extract from my contribution in the Dáil is a true representation of the 1996 debate:
“I am pro a public rail system for Dublin and opening the Harcourt Street line. I am also pro a line for Tallaght and a line for Ballymun, which would connect with the airport. I am definitely pro Deputy Brennan’s amendment, which would integrate this system with the rail system, so the Broadstone line, the Arrow Service, the DART, the Harcourt Street line, a line to Dublin Airport, other lines and the Phoenix Park tunnel could be used on a single integrated basis to get people around the city.”
The full debate is a matter of public record on the Houses of the Oireachtas website. – Yours, etc,
SENATOR MICHAEL MCDOWELL,
Seanad Éireann,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – Time to call time on the MetroLink project where the final cost will exceed €20 billion.
To think we could deliver 10 children’s hospitals for a light-rail extension. Or 50,000 houses.
Where 90 per cent of the benefits could be delivered by bus lanes at 10 per cent of the cost and with less disruption.
Where are the politicians within Government and Opposition with the vision and courage to challenge this? – Yours, etc,
PADRAIC MURRAY,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.
