Metro Link Underground Flaws
There are several flaws with Metro Link underground. Not linking up with all the east coast area and it is so near the Dundalk rail line. Using a different rail gauge prevents three existing rail lines with trains from been used and leaves two doubles lines four tracks idle, this is massive waste of vital rail infrastructure. It draws all existing rail lines via the centre adding up to two extra hours to travel day for users accessing work on the outskirts of the city, one hour out and one back, no good to anyone.
If from Lucan or on local trains users must change at Glasnevin so near the Airport, if from the country areas users must change twice, this adds to travel time, undermines rail for work. The very high cost of building this unnecessary major rail interchange at Glasnevin. Costs of Metro underground extremely high for covering such a small area of Dublin, mainly the city centre and the extra cost for it to become a full Metro with future extensions. All these problems addressed with Metro Dart over-ground by using standard mainline rail gauge. Many more people can live at home in the countryside if the rail network in Dublin is linked for full use for work and college. Another major advantage of Metro Dart over-ground, as being orbital it provides two access to all areas including Dublin Airport.
If one is out of order the other is available, this is very important for rail maintenances to keep the service operating, not available with Metro Link underground. More positive news about the Metro Dart over-ground soon.
Tom Newton 086 312 7364 @acratu.com
Politicians please note
Due to pressure of space, each representative is limited to 150 words in their report (including name and contact details).
Please keep reports relevant to Lucan
Please note: Wednesday 10pm is the weekly deadline.
Minister Emer Higgins TD, Fine Gael
Constituency Office: 01 401 3416
Insta: @emerhigginstd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmerHigginsTD
Emer.higgins@oireachtas.ie
Major improvements in Student Grant Scheme will benefit students in Lucan: I am pleased to see that students across Lucan will benefit from improvements to the 2026 Student Grant Scheme. Changes to the means test mean more students will be eligible for grants, alongside a permanent 500 euro reduction in the student contribution and a permanent increase in the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant.
Key changes to the 2026 Student Grant Scheme include:
An increase in the 500 euro student contribution grant threshold from 115,000 euro to 120,000 euro.
A permanent decrease in the Student Contribution charge from 3,000 euro to 2,500 euro.
An increase of 200 euro - 430 euro to grant rates for students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
East Village Lucan now open! I was delighted to visit East Village Lucan recently and sample their food and coffee. Wishing them every success.
Cllr. Helen Farrell, Independent
Working with Paul Gogarty, TD, Independent
Email: hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
Tel: 087-2794936
Facebook: http://bit.ly/4jHwrjR
Greenway & Boardwalk Update: I asked SDCC for an update on the Greenway project: they say it's moving forward in stages. Phase 1a, running from Grand Canal to N4, is nearly complete: construction of parklands and school links will finish February 2026. Most of the 3.18 million euro cost was paid in 2025, and remaining 445,000 euro funding for 2026 will cover final invoices. Improvements to paths within Clonburris Grounds will come later.
Phase 1b, from the N4 into Lucan, on hold because of staffing pressures and slow progress on land transfer.
Phase 1c, covering the bridges and boardwalk, is paused. The bridges are waiting for a construction tender to be issued in Q4, while detailed design for the boardwalk is currently on hold due to resourcing constraints.
Reminder: Look at the Lucan rezoning proposals
here: https://helenfarrell.com/2026/02/04/rezoning-2026/
Paul Gogarty TD, Independent
Working with Cllr Helen Farrell
Not just at election time
Dail office: 01-6184078
Whatsapp: 089-2364871
Website: www.paulgogarty.com
St Edmundsbury, Foxhunter, Finnstown, Adamstown and other Lucan Rezonings: Reminder, the deadline for submissions is closing on March 13th, so physical documents will need posting by the 11th. Links to the consultation portal and other information is on my website and Cllr Helen Farrell's.
As you will see, there's massive rezoning proposed on a cumulative basis, including the highly sensitive St Edmundsbury lands beside the special amenity area. Other areas of Lucan have numerous reasons to oppose also, not least the lack of any infrastructure or facilities or guaranteed public transport tied in.
For people who bought this Newsletter on Friday, Helen and I are holding a drop-in information session in the Spa Hotel on Saturday morning 7th March 9-12pm. Call in any time. We will have printed templates available.
Cllr. Caroline Brady, Peace Commissioner, Fine Gael
085 2551602
CBrady@SDublinCoCo.ie
Proposed Variation Public Information Sessions: I attended both information sessions in Tallaght and Lucan. It was a good opportunity to meet residents and listen to concerns directly. Thank you to everyone who spoke with me, and I remain available to meet residents.
Proposed Variation Postal Submissions: Concerns were raised in the newsletter last week and to me directly that postal submissions were not allowed. The opposite is the case - postal submissions may be made to: Senior Executive Officer, Forward Planning Section, SDCC, County Hall, Tallaght, D24 A3XC.
Proposed Variation Deadline: The deadline for submissions is Friday 13.03.2026 at 23:59.
Pothole repairs: Following resident reports, I escalated the pothole outside The Orchard, Lucan Road, and pleased to report it was filled promptly. I also reported a pothole forming at the manhole at the Ardeevin junction and await an update on repair timelines.
Cllr. Vicki Casserly, Fine Gael, P.C.
vcasserly@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
Mob: 085 831 7982
facebook.com/vickicasserlylucan
Twitter: @vickicasserly
Proposed Rezoning & Housing Growth - Lucan Area: I have made a formal submission on Proposed Variation No. 2 to the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028. While national housing targets must be planned for, I have raised concerns regarding further intensification in Lucan, Adamstown, St Edmundsbury and the Foxhunter area without clear evidence that infrastructure is keeping pace.
Current pressures include traffic congestion, school capacity, healthcare access and delays in transport upgrades. The Development Plan requires that growth is infrastructure-led and aligned with environmental protection and quality placemaking. In my view, this must be clearly demonstrated before additional zoning or density increases proceed. I won't be supporting the variation to the current development plan.
Residents can make their own submission online through the South Dublin County Council consultation portal or by post to the Forward Planning Section at County Hall, Tallaght.
Submissions close on Friday 13 March 2026.
Cllr. Liona O Toole, Independent Peace Commissioner
0872795274.
lotoole@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
www.lotoole.com
County Development Plan Variation No. 2 Update: The deadline to make submissions on Variation No. 2 to the County Development Plan is Friday 13 March (midnight).
A huge turnout at the recent workshop in Lucan Library with strong engagement from residents asking questions and seeking clarification. A great effort by all.
A large number of submissions have already been lodged and I cannot stress enough the importance of making an observation if you wish your views to be considered. All submissions will be reviewed by councillors and will form part of the Chief Executive's Report expected about six weeks after the consultation closes.
Lucan now has a population of approximately 60,000 people so please share this consultation widely. I will continue to keep residents updated.
Link to consultation : https://consult.sdublincoco.ie/en/consultation/proposed-variation-no-2-south-dublin-county-development-plan-2022-2028
Link to HGV public consultation: https://consult.sdublincoco.ie/en/consultation/proposed-hgv-restriction-routes-2026 deadline 11th March (midnight)
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