Protesters say Navan-Dublin rail link only solution to traffic jams

Transport committee:  A Navan-Dublin rail link is the only viable solution to traffic congestion between Meath and Dublin, protesters against the proposed route of the M3 motorway have told the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

A motorway beginning north of Clonee, that bypasses the towns of Kells, Navan and Dunshaughlin, would not reduce traffic but would cause an "enormous traffic jam" at the Blanchardstown/ M50 interchange, the Meath Roads Action Group said.

"Currently, traffic jams at this junction extend to between three and four miles at peak times. This will at least double if the motorway is built," spokesman Mr Brendan Magee said. The proposed upgrade of this junction would only move the jam a mile further up the road. The only way to reduce traffic was to take cars off the road, he said.

"The reinstatement of the railway line is the ideal solution to the problem. It reduces the traffic on the roads, with obvious safety implications. It would reduce traffic entering the city. It means less pollution in the atmosphere. It means that people's quality of life will be greatly enhanced through shorter and stress-free commuting."

Ms Julitta Clancy of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society said construction of the motorway was itself a threat to reinstating the rail line. It was unlikely that private investors would get involved in constructing a rail line for the duration of the PPP (Public Private Partnership) contract on the motorway and the proposed location of a toll plaza near the rail route would also cause difficulties for reinstating the line.

Both groups suggested alternative routes for the motorway, which would avoid the controversial Tara Skryne valley, if the M3 does go ahead.

Mr Hugh Creegan, assistant PPP manager of the National Roads Authority, told the committee the construction of the rail line would not be prevented by the plans for the motorway.

Meanwhile, the Save the Tara Skryne Valley group held a protest outside the Dáil yesterday, objecting that they had not been invited to make a presentation to the transport committee.

A pro-M3 group, Meath Citizens for the M3, yesterday delivered a petition to the Minister for the Environment claiming 90 per cent of the residents in the Tara/Skryne area were in favour of the motorway.