Metrolink must be Priority Transport Project despite lukewarm commitments from larger parties
- No commitment to Metrolink in FF Manifesto, and only claims to prioritise progressing it in FG and SF manifestos.
- Labour will commit €10bn of additional funding for public transport.
- Flagship metro, rail and Luas projects must progress.
- More buses and reliable timetables essential to encourage commuters to make the move from cars.
- Labour will reduce fares with our Climate ticket and make travel free for children and young people.
Launching Labour’s public transport investment plans in Fingal with Cllr. Rob O’Donoghue, Transport spokesperson Duncan Smith called on all parties to commit to progressing Metrolink as the flagship public transport project of the next government.
Dublin Fingal East candidate, Duncan Smith said:
“This Friday Metrolink is on the ballot for the people of north county Dublin. For decades people here have been let down by the failure to deliver Metrolink. Labour has set out our ambitious investment plans for public transport, and we are calling today on all political parties and Independents running in Fingal to commit that this project will finally be delivered.
“It is deeply concerning that Fianna Fáil has failed to specifically commit to Metrolink in their main manifesto while Fine Gael and Sinn Féin only say they will progress it. None commit to it as our flagship public transport project.
“This is not good enough. Over the term of the next government, the people of Fingal and the north city, workers and users of the Airport need to see a contract awarded, a tunnelling machine in the ground, and an ambitious timetable to get this essential underground rail link opened as early as possible in the next decade.
“Labour’s manifesto is crystal clear: The development of the Dublin Metrolink is Ireland’s flagship public transport project, and essential to addressing gridlock in our capital city, connecting our airport to the city centre, and unlocking future housing development in north county Dublin. Labour will prioritise the delivery of Metrolink and begin planning for new spurs. This will maintain expertise in Ireland and ensure the many false starts of Metro North are not repeated.
“By providing sustainable travel options, reducing congestion, and curbing air pollution, Metrolink will significantly improve the quality of life for residents in North County Dublin and beyond. It’s time to bring Ireland’s transportation infrastructure into the 21st century.
Labour’s comprehensive transport plans is designed to reduce our carbon emissions, and our climate proposals have been ranked as the best of all the Party manifestos.
“Our budget commitments will ensure the delivery of regional and commuter rail improvements, new Luas tracks, and critically BusConnects. While major infrastructure projects are under construction, we will expand bus services and ensure reliable timetables. This is essential if we want people to move from cars to public transport.
“For several years Labour has called for the pilot of a €9 a month climate transport ticket, and we will trial this for six months, and over time make travel free for children and young people.
“Labour also has an ambitious plan to grow the number of people cycling and expand the City Bikes schemes across Dublin including to towns like Swords and Balbriggan. We need a joined up approach across all modes of transport, from active travel to public transport, aviation, rail and sail.”
Full details of Labour’s Transport manifesto is available here: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Labour-Transport-Manifesto-2024.pdf