Sir, - John Henry of the Dublin Transportation Office (August 29th) seems to be of the opinion that only "experts in traffic management and transport planning" are suitably qualified to comment publicly on current proposals regarding Dublin's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. I, for one, disagree. Surely the people who live and work in Dublin, the very people for whom this service is being provided, are already expert in the city's traffic problems. After all, they contend with the traffic jams and snarl ups every day.
There is an undisputed need for enhanced transport provision in the city, and the Progressive Democrats are strongly in favour of LRT. However, this LRT system, LUAS, will exacerbate the city's congestion problems rather than solve them.
Unless the system is run underground in the city centre, scarce road space - space which is already congested - will be given over exclusively to LUAS. You don't need to be an "expert in traffic management" to understand the chaos that that will cause.
Similarly, failing to provide an extension to Sandyford on the east line will only add to Dundrumffis - infamous bottleneck. The Progressive Democrats further oppose LUAS because of its failure to serve the residence of the northside of the city, and for failing to inter connect with the existing light rail system - the DART.
Opposition to the current LUAS proposals is gathering momentum. The former Fine Gael Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, is joined in his cause by city centre traders and businesses, the residents of Dundrum and district and people who have lived along the Quays for all their lives. Surely the Dublin Transportation office will not deny the valid opinions of so many Dub liners? - Is mise le meas.
TD, Dail Eireann,
Baile Atha Cliath, 2.