DUBLIN northside TDs last night expressed disappointment following the announcement that the building of Dublin's light rail system to Dundrum is likely to go ahead before the route to Ballymun.
Strong commitments must be sought from the Government for the construction of the Luas route to Ballymun, following the expected EU funding of the Tallaght and Dundrum lines, they said. Last month, 13 northside TDs signed a statement calling on the Government to include the Ballymun line in the first phase of the Luas project.
Ms Roisin Shortall, TD, (Labour, Dublin North West) expressed disappointment and emphasised that there was no commitment for the design team to remain following the go ahead of the Tallaght and Dun drum routes.
"What we are looking for is at least a commitment to the planning and design stage, but we were hopeful that the Commissioner might take the broader view of the social benefits to the northside of the city," said Ms Shortall. "The line would provide access to employment opportunities for people in a huge unemployment black spot."
Mr Trevor Sargent, TD, (Green, Dublin North) said the announcement had confirmed the worst fears of people living in the north of the city, who were suffering "obvious discrimination".
Deputies representing constituencies on the northside would have to continue to lobby the Government directly on Luas, he said.