Sir, - Before the debate on LUAS comes to a grinding halt like the traffic, and plans for proper public transport in Dublin fall yet again into a large black hole, may we be permitted to make a brief contribution?
An Taisce shares the frustration of many of your readers at the recent Government decision on LUAS. It seems extraordinary that the Minister can commission a study to examine alternative options and then ignore its recommendations. We had consistently argued for the overground option, but now that a decision has been made, planning for its implementation should proceed without further delay.
In the meantime, the Minister should ensure that the funds allocated to LUAS are redeployed for other public transport proposals including the upgrading of the Maynooth line, the extension of the DART north of Howth and the full implementation of quality bus corridors as proposed by the DTO to bring shorter term relief, not just to the hard pressed commuter but to all the city's users and inhabitants. - Yours, etc., Jeanne Meldon,
National Planning Co-ordinator, An Taisce, Tailors' Hall, Dublin 8.