DUBLIN Chamber of Commerce called for a professional evaluation of the merits of putting the proposed light rail system underground to enable "an informed debate to take place on the best solution to Dublin's traffic problems".
In a statement, the chamber dismissed the report by Semaly/ EPO, commissioned by CIE's light rail project team saying it portrayed a "worst case" scenario for a tunnelling option by suggesting Grafton Street would have to be dug up.
"The cut and cover option as a method of tunnelling is given undue emphasis. Neither the Dublin Chamber of Commerce or any other group have promoted this method. A bored tunnel within the canals was always the preferred option," it said.
In suggesting Grafton Street would have to be closed to install a cut and cover tunnel, Semaly/ EPO consultants to CIE were putting forward a "totally misleading scenario, thereby deflecting attention from the possible viable option" of a bored tunnel.
The chamber's chief executive, Mr Noel Carroll, said there was a need for a detailed evaluation by "informed consultants" of all the issues. He added the chamber itself would be publishing its own "extensive review" of light rail within weeks.
