Sir, - The EU Commissioner Ms Monica Wulf-Mathies issued a clear warning in Dublin on November 28th about the possible loss of EU funding for the Luas project should there be further significant delays. The underground option is clearly now outside the EU funding, if we take a realistic view.
Let us instead look now at another option. Luas is not needed in the city centre. People using the DART to say, Tara Street, willingly walk to Grafton Street and Henry Street. The route from the west (Tallaght) could turn off at Heuston Station and return to Tallaght. Abandon stops at the National Museum, Smithfield and the Four Courts and also the stops at O'Connell Street, Westmoreland Street and Dawson Street. Instead, have the Dundrum route circle round St Stephen's Green and return to Dundrum. Thus the city centre disruption would be averted (not to mention budget considerations).
As for the current stage 2 (Ballymun route) this could be extended in due course to the Dublin Airport and return via Dorset Street and Gardiner Street to the bus terminus at Store Street. - Yours, etc.,
St Georges Avenue, Killiney, Co Dublin.