Dublin - Metrolink (Swords to Charlemont only)

I was following another unrelated ABP case recently, it passed its decision due date by 3-4 months with no update on the website before finally being decided, so I would be pleasantly surprised if there was an update given here.

That makes it difficult for the general public, to understand a new potential timeline / delay in the process. Guess that even if they were asked to make an update, it is probably never going to happen. Ah sure, it's grand.

So lodged on 30/9/22 and no decision until 21/12/23- just shy of 1 year and 3 months later.

It’s just too slow for a piece of infrastructure that’s incredibly important to the country.

Well as far as I know if it gets a yes on 21/12/23 it can then be objected to a judicial review within 3 months of the decision which brings you to the 21/3/24.

So someone initiates a JR on the 21/3/24 and then we are into an unknown timescale territory I think.

Someone initiating a JR doesn't mean it there will be court case - it has to be shown that ABP or the NTA have screwed up and not followed statutory procedure in submitting and processing the application.

Just found the following, regarding Gov Decision Gate 2 and 3 | 4th May 2023: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2023-05-04/31/

Here is part of Eamon Ryan's reply:

" ... TII is currently preparing the Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy for MetroLink. It is currently anticipated that these documents will be submitted to the Department of Transport this year for consideration at Decision Gate 2 of the Public Spending Code. Subject to approval at Decision Gate 2 and funding, TII will then prepare a Final Business Case for consideration by Cabinet at Decision Gate 3.

TII is also in the process of appointing a Client Partner to support the efficient and effective delivery of the project. It is currently anticipated that the Client Partner will be appointed in the coming months to provide the adequate number of resources and support across all phases of the project to ensure the successful delivery of MetroLink. This appointment will be a significant development in the process of progressing MetroLink through the Decision Gate process and toward delivery, subject to approval and funding. ... "

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From the updated Preliminary Business case document, page 2-3, table E-2: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MetroLink-Preliminary-Business-Case-Updated.pdf

Milestone: Pre-Tender Approval: Decision Gate 2 | Original Anticipated Timeline: Q2 2023 | Revised Anticipated Timeline: Q2 2023

Milestone: Railway Order granted | Original Anticipated Timeline: Q4 2023 | Revised Anticipated Timeline: Q1 2024

When it comes to infrastructure, has a JR ever gone in favour of the appealant. If they're generally awarded costs regardless of the decision then all it does is, cost tax payers money and delay, already delayed important projects.

So is it possible to appeal a JR?

For example, ABP grant permission- JR initiated by Dartmouth square residents- JR delays things by 6 months?- JR grants permission to build- Dartmouth square residents appeal to high court then the Supreme Court then the European court? (Just thinking of worst case scenario)

Imagine the laughing stock Ireland would be, if it went all the way to the ECJ.

They need to introduce some minimum charges to the objectors if they are unsuccessful. Like a graded scale, 1,000 for small scale projects, 10k for medium, 100k+ for large. They should make specific people, not just vague anonymous groups, liable for these costs.

They could also set up a means tested government fund, where lower income workers can apply for a waiver (after the ruling). This would be fair to all.

Good god!

The D6/D6W NIMBY Association are all set to go JR and Europe over bus connects in Terenure. Essentially over some parking spaces (although I'm never actually been sure what the are against and if they would like to see any improvements at all).

communities not corridors on Twitter: "At public #BusConnects meeting, residents are voicing commitment to go to Judicial review, to go to Europe - such is the strength of feeling regarding proposed #temoleoguersthfarnhamscheme" / Twitter

Exactly. We arent going to remove people from their cars by widening roads for both buses and cars.

That approach makes the space generally less appealing to pedsetrians and can impact negativley on the feel of any impacted village.

Keep the roads as they are and remove access for cars if we have to, but dont give us (pedsetrians and people that want to inhabit their village) the worst of both worlds with more buses AND more cars.

I've often wondered why the NTA aren't much more proactive with press releases and pushing a positive narrative around imaging and the project as a whole.

Although, its also probably just lazy journalism, it comes from the same media outlets that often still use photos of the S61 for coast guard related articles.

Articles about Aer Lingus or Dublin Airport still frequently have a picture of Aer Lingus Boeing 737s. Aer Lingus stopped flying them in 2005... we'll probably still be seeing green planes on articles in 20 years time.