Lowry rebukes critics of light rail system

The Minister for Transport has made a fierce counter attack on "opportunist, half baked and cynical" criticisms of plans for the Luas light rail system for Dublin.

Mr Lowry said the Government was fully committed to an on street rather than underground system, which was "the right solution at the right time" to Dublin's traffic problems.

Speaking at the publication of a report into the effect of Luas on the city's traffic, Mr Lowry criticised those who "seek to destabilise the project for short term political gain and deny Dubliners the modern, environmentally friendly and efficient transport system they want".

Mr Lowry said an underground system would not make economic sense, and would be less accessible and less safe. It was not favoured by city centre retailers and would not contribute anything to the commercial life of the city centre.

The Dublin Transportation Initiative (DTI) report which backed on street light rail had taken years to complete, he said, so it was a bit glib for political opportunists to dismiss it.

"There is another point, of course, and it is a fundamental one. Building an underground would be accepting that the car will continue to dominate the life of our streets. But the philosophy of DTI placed the emphasis on moving people rather than vehicles on the streets of Dublin.

"It really is galling that a similar on street light rail system which is working successfully in 350 cities around the world should be the subject of such ill informed criticism. Are the traffic problems in Dublin so unique that what has been proven to work elsewhere cannot successfully work here?"

Rejecting claims that Luas would increase congestion, Mr Lowry said the first phase would take over 2,000 cars off the city streets at rush hour.

The Minister also rejected criticism of the consultation process, pointing out that there had been over 350 meetings with interested parties and 15,000 people had attended Luas exhibitions. However, it was important to avoid "paralysis by analysis".

Mr Lowry said the results of the EU's review of the project would be known towards the end of October.