Metro submissions positive

More than 1,000 written submissions on Dublin's new Metro north rail line, due to come into operation in 2012, have been received by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA).

Early responses to the public consultation phase of the project which began in February have shown "massive support" for the Metro which will link Dublin city centre to Dublin airport and Swords, the RPA said.

Fewer than 4 per cent of the respondents were opposed to the Metro.

"It is very clear that there is a massive demand out there for Metro, and the level of response has been much higher than expected," said Metro north project leader Rory O'Connor.

However, a number of residents attending the Metro open day in Ballymun recently said, while they were not against the Metro, the RPA's proposals for their area were unacceptable.

The central route, which goes through Ballymun, is one of three possible routes for the Metro.

An east route (which goes through Drumcondra and Santry) and a west route(through Cabra and Finglas) have also been put out to public consultation.

However, the Government has signalled that the central route, which is the most direct route, is the most likely to be chosen.

Ballymun residents said they were opposed to plans to elevate the line along the Ballymun Road.