Dempsey denies failure on Dublin transport plans

MINISTER FOR Transport Noel Dempsey has rejected Labour Party claims of inadequate preparation for and information about traffic and business disruption in Dublin while major infrastructural projects are under construction.

Labour transport spokesman Tommy Broughan claimed the disruption while Metro North, the rail interconnector and the Luas extensions were under way would be the biggest “since the rebuilding after the 1916 Rising”.

Mr Dempsey insisted, however, that a Transport 21 implementation body had been established, which was preparing a traffic management plan for the city.

This would “make provision for alternative traffic routes and for improved public transport priority measures while taking account of the concerns of various interests, particularly the business community”.

There would be regular meetings to review progress but “disruption will be kept to a minimum but cannot be eliminated,” he said.

Mr Broughan asked about the level of disruption with the construction of Metro North, the rail interconnector and the Luas extensions and claimed that “Dublin city will be torn apart by transport development and yet the Minister does not tell us how it will happen”.

Mr Dempsey retorted that “I have an Opposition spokesperson who is meant to know all about Transport 21 and is supposed to mark me in the House and yet he knows nothing about it”.

He pointed out that a traffic plan would be available before the end of the year and he had had briefings on it. “The object with the construction of two new bridges over the River Liffey is to minimise the disruption. It is not helpful to talk about devastation in Dublin city centre.”

Mr Broughan asked: “What will be the impact of the proposed metro stations at the O’Connell monument and at the Parnell monument on O’Connell Street? Will it be a case of tens of thousands of trucks moving soil up and down O’Connell Street and the quays?”

The Labour spokesman said many people took it for granted that “Dan O’Connell and his angels and CS Parnell, our lost leader, will have to be moved for several years.

“I would not mind if the Spire goes and we do not see it again. O’Connell Street and all its adjoining streets will be a major construction site for five years.”

The Minister pointed out that “I have never said anything other than there will be disruption in Dublin city for the massive changes and improvements to the public transport network.

“It does not matter how well it is managed, there will be restrictions and disruption.”