Sir, - This is a critical moment for decisions in relation to Luas. However, there are delays not only in the implementation of Luas, but also in several other areas of the Dublin Transport Initiative (DTI) strategy, which was developed as an integrated solution to provide an appropriate, efficient transport system for Dublin.
It appears to the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland that the general DTI strategy has stalled and the Government may not possess the necessary will to drive its implementation. The evidence for this includes delays in improving the suburban rail system (one year behind schedule); the quality bus corridors (two years behind); Luas (two to three years behind); the port tunnel and completion of the C-Ring Motorway (four years behind); cycle paths; and the "park and ride" system.
All of this has implications beyond traffic congestion, the efficient working of business, and commuter and shopper frustration. Continued dependence on private motor transport results in noise and air pollution, with significant damage to building fabric (masonry deterioration through acid rain) and to the general quality of the environment.
The Dublin Transportation Office appears incapable of implementing the plan according to the original programme. Only an initiative from Government directed to the overall good, not under the influence of sectional interests, can re-establish progress towards completing the DTI plan in a reasonable timescale. Current Dublin traffic levels already exceed projections for the next decade. Urgent action, firmly supported by Government, is needed to accelerate progress and bring the DTI programme back into line. The RIAI calls on the Government to unequivocally declare its support for the urgent completion of the full, integrated DTI strategy, and to give an assurance that the anticipated EU funding will not be jeopardised as a result of these delays, or that alternative funding will be made available. - Yours, etc., Eoin O Cofaigh FRIAI, RIBA,
President, The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.