Sir, – It comes as no surprise to note that the first casualty of this year’s budget cuts is Metro North.
It seems that the southside must be well catered for before any crumbs are tossed in the direction of us “disenfranchised northsiders”. Not one, but two Luas lines were provided for those fortunate to reside between the Liffey and the mountains, and, if that weren’t enough, the Sandyford and Tallaght lines were extended and a speedy bus route was also provided to link up with the Dart. No mention of lack of affordability there!
Meanwhile, we hapless northsiders struggle on unless we are lucky enough to live on the Dart line to Malahide or Howth. Visitors arriving in our country must wonder how the airport came to be built north of the river as they queue for the most expensive taxis in Europe. Many hapless DCU students must travel into town and out again to reach the campus.Roads are clogged with unnecessary commuter traffic every morning.
Now is the time to build Metro North. Construction costs will never be lower and the project will provide a welcome shot in the arm for the building industry. Incidentally, I note that the cut in spending this year is initially flagged at €755 million. How appropriate that this is almost the same amount tossed to Anglo Irish Bank last week to protect the seemingly risk-free bondholders! – Yours, etc,