Sinn Féin representatives for Dublin Mid-West, Dublin West and Dublin South West have called for the government to consider bringing forward the Metro West plan now that Metro South is not going ahead.

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin for Dublin Mid-West said:

“In 2007 the then Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey announced the route for the new Metro West line linking Tallaght, Clondalkin and Blanchardstown to Dublin airport.

“The planned was shelved by then Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar in 2011 due to budgetary issues.

“A plan for Metro West is not included in the current Dublin Transport strategy and its likely it will not be revisited until after 2035.

“Given the very significant level of current and future residential development in the west of the city including the Clonburris. Strategic Development zone this decision should now be reviewed.”

Councillor Paul Donnelly from Dublin West said:

“Dublin West has a growing population and faces increasing strains on its limited public transport infrastructure.

“It makes sense to be that it Metro south is being shelved then consideration must be given to going ahead with the Metro West project.”

Deputy Sean Crowe from Dublin South West said:

“We need joined up thinking and infrastructure for the rollout of a transport plan for Dublin. All options for transport for Dublin should now be put back on the table. If the funding was available for Metro South I see no reason why the Metro West project cannot be revisited and reactivated.

“We have written to the Minister for Transport asking him if plans for Metro West will now be put back on the table.”