Metrolink boss resignation cannot derail vital public transport project
Metrolink boss resignation cannot derail vital public transport project - The Labour Party
Labour’s transport spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has called for a swift response from Minister Darragh O’Brien following the resignation of the Metrolink Programme Director.
He has said that the long-awaited project cannot be further delayed, emphasising the transformative impact it will have for Dublin.
Deputy Ahern said:
“Metrolink should be a flagship project for this Government and this latest set-back cannot be allowed to linger. We’ve already been waiting more than 20 years to get shovels in the ground on this so it’s absolutely essential that a new programme director is put in place urgently.
“The approval of planning permission last year was a major breakthrough after years and years of stagnation on the project. We cannot allow further delays on it.
“Metrolink will be a gamechanger for Dublin. It’s essential to addressing gridlock in our city and connecting our airport to the city centre. It’s also a vital element in our push to reduce car dependency and our climate emissions, representing a new era of efficient, sustainable and accessible public transportation for Dublin.
“The resignation of the project lead on Metrolink is a blow that requires an urgent response from Government. We need to see a new appointment sooner rather than later to ensure that this project is delivered on time and cost effectively. Government needs to move swiftly so that we get this critical public transport project over the line.
“This Government has consistently said that they’re prioritising critical infrastructure. We need to see them put their money where their mouth is here. Metrolink is too important to delay any further. We need to see Minister O’Brien step up to the plate and drive the project forward in the interim until a suitable replacement for the programme director is found.”