Metro Dart for Zero Cost
The cost of this new proposed 19-kilometre Metro Dart rail link via Dublin Airport overground is one billion euro. This increases the capacity of Dublin city rail network by the equivalent of three extra rail lines. The revenue from being able to use these three under used rail lines will pay for the airport rail link over time.
There is also funding available from a new European rail directive for Airports with over 12 million passengers per year announced recently, Ireland's share could be half a billion euro or up to a billion euro depending on what other countries draw down from these funds, if mainline rail gauge is used to link Dublin Airport. EU insists on standard rail gauge to ensure all Ireland with rail benefits from this funding. This would reduce the cost of the Airport rail link down to zero.
The present Metro Link underground proposals can't draw down any of this funding as they insist with a different rail gauge. With funding like this available and the use of existing unused lines, Metro Dart overground can finance itself. Why spend so much extra funding on an underground benefiting only a few areas in Dublin when all Ireland has traffic problems that is growing at an alarming rate and lacks an adequate public transport system to deal with this massive traffic growth. The simple Metro Dart overground using standard mainline gauge has the potential to do this.
Next week why the Metro Link underground is not a suitable transport solution for Dublin.
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
Consultation on Restricting HGVs in Lucan: SDCC is carrying out reviews of HGV restrictions in Lucan to consider whether amendments, removals or new restrictions are needed. The following are being considered.
Proposed Amendments to Existing Restrictions: Adamstown Road from junction with N4 to junction with Tandy's Lane/Esker Road.
Tandy's Lane & Dodsborough Road from the junction with the Paddocks Drive to Dodsborough Road junction/Old Cornmill Road.
Proposed New Restrictions: Tandy's Lane from the junction with Adamstown Road to junction of Adamstown Park.
Hillcrest Road from junction with Adamstown Road to junction with Dodsborough Road/Tandy's Lane.
Meadowview Grove from junction with Dodsborough Road through.
Hillcrest Heights to junction with Hillcrest Road.
Old Celbridge Road from the junction of r403 to the roundabout at Dodsborough Road.
This is an important opportunity for residents to have their say. Visit consultsdublincoco.ie before 11th March.
Cllr. Caroline Brady, Peace Commissioner, Fine Gael
085 2551602
CBrady@SDublinCoCo.ie
Airlie Heights Traffic Calming: I've consistently worked with Airlie Heights residents and the council on traffic-calming concerns. I'm pleased SDCC confirmed to me, this week, that Airlie Heights will be included in the 2027 Traffic Calming Programme. A review will take place in late 2026, followed by public consultation, followed by construction in 2027.
Dodsboro Centre Flower Bed: I've raised the condition of the flower bed since the upgrade and the contractor's continued failure to maintain it. SDCC confirmed to me, this week, that an improved planting plan is being prepared, with works due in the coming weeks.
Proposed Zoning Changes: A public information session takes place in Lucan Library this Wednesday, 4th March, 14:00-20:00. Information on the proposed change is available online Consult.SDublinCoCo.ie or contact me for hard copies. Public submissions close 13th March 2026 .
Cllr. Helen Farrell, Independent
Working with Paul Gogarty, TD, Independent
Email: hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
Tel: 087-2794936
Facebook: http://bit.ly/4jHwrjR
Reminder: Act Now On Lucan Rezoning! Check out: all rezoning proposals for Lucan area, with maps - sample submission that you can use info on possible numbers of housing units that could be built. The most important thing that YOU can do is make a submission on the proposed rezoning now. The Chief Executive of SDCC will consider all submissions and will then revert to all Councillors, with final proposals for residential rezoning around the County, for a vote.
Allotments for Lucan: My motion was passed at this week's Area Committee Meeting for research into suitable locations for Lucan allotments.
New Park for Central Boulevard, Adamstown: Construction on Central Boulevard Park began 03/02/2026 (construction: 57 weeks). Park will include varied play/ recreation zones, natural play areas, teen space with informal basketball/MUGA, boules, and callisthenics area.
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
Briefing on St Edmundsbury and other Lucan Rezonings: With the deadline for submissions closing on March 13th, Helen and I are holding a drop-in information session in the Spa Hotel next Saturday morning 7th March.
If you are solely looking for a printed-out version of the template to make a written submission, then feel free to drop up around 10am, or let us know and we will get one to you. Final times to be confirmed on our websites, but likely 9am to 12pm.
Dail Report: This week I spoke in support of SNAs facing uncertainty following a review of services in schools that has been thankfully halted for now. I also highlighted the need to support GPs to stay in Ireland and help them set up practices.
Shane Moynihan, TD, Fianna Fail, Dublin Mid-West
Email: shane.moynihan@oireachtas.ie
Phone: 01-6184128
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok
Dublin Bus: I met the CEO of Dublin Bus this week to review performance of Dublin Bus routes in Lucan. I raised issues with weekend coverage in particular, as well as the need to review provision on some of the peak services. If there are points you would like to raise, please get in touch.
Postal Services: Thanks to people who have contacted me about the quality of postal services in our area. I have shared this with An Post and requested an update.
Fianna Fail Centenary: I have been appointed by An Taoiseach to chair the Centenary Programme for Fianna Fail. If you have memorabilia from family members who may have been involved in Fianna Fail, or would like to get involved in the celebrations, please contact me.
Clinic: My next advice clinic in Lucan will take place on Monday 2 March at 1pm at the Muintir na Tíre Hall.
Cllr. Liona O Toole, Independent Peace Commissioner
0872795274.
lotoole@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
www.lotoole.com
School Bus: I'm pleased to confirm that my motion was passed at this week's Area Committee meeting requesting that the Minister for Education consider Lucan as a pilot area for a dedicated school transport service. Given ongoing transport challenges along with the number of existing schools and additional schools planned across Lucan, Adamstown and Clonburris it is reasonable that our area be considered for targeted solutions. A dedicated school transport pilot could ease pressure on public buses, improve reliability for commuters and enhance safety for students.
HGV Restriction: A consultation is currently open on proposed HGV restriction routes across South Dublin. I have consistently advocated for a full-time HGV ban on Newcastle Road however the proposal suggests a restriction during extended school hours only. The deadline is 11 March. I strongly encourage residents to make a submission. Link to consultation:
https://consult.sdublincoco.ie/en/consultation/proposed-hgv-restriction-routes-2026
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