The Metro North Debate

[Mark Gleeson]

Finally the RPA crawl out from under there little rock, being fair at least its the head of the metro project who is doing the talking not some media handler

Prime Time 9:30 RTE 1 tonight

[Kilkea]

They really did not do themselves any favours! More and more it does look like the project is questionable. Don't get me wrong, I would love to finally see a rail link to the airport.....but at what cost?

[weehamster]

They really did not do themselves any favours! More and more it does look like the project is questionable. Don't get me wrong, I would love to finally see a rail link to the airport.....but at what cost?

At what cost?, off the top of my head;

€2.5b to €3b over a 25 year period starting from 2017.
Line lasting over 100 years.
Cost Ratio benefit of 2:1 in favour.
Help to reduce the traffic congestion which cost this city €billions every year.
Linking Dublin Airport which will become one of the most important Airport Hubs in Europe within the next 5 to 10 years (thanks to T2 and US customs based there), and important airport hubs usually become important financial hubs

So overall, not that much really. :)

Of course this isn't the only show in town and its vital that the DART underground together with the DART extension to Drogheda and Hazelhatch/Celbridge occurs at the same time.

[essoII]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/1028/breaking28.html

Well, planning permission has now been given! There are a number of conditions attached however, but this is to be expected.

It think the fact that the depot was originally envisaged to be at Lissenhall (end of the line) was always a bad idea. The airport is the logical place, although I'd like to see where the bord suggest the land for this will be found.

I hope the taking in to account of these conditions wont incur large delays to the commencement of the project.

Edit: "RPA has already developed proposals for a depot in this location and will proceed to apply for permission for this depot as required by An Bord Pleanála in the near future."
-http://www.rpa.ie/en/news/Pages/MetroNorthRailwayOrderWelcomedbyRPA.aspx

[Mark Gleeson]

The depot is more or less where the Metro West depot is planned, two in one job there which suits everyone.

Loss of the large car park at Lissenhall is a problem in light of the cherrywood experience

Bear in mind the RPA have more or less know about the conditions for some time

[weehamster]

The depot is more or less where the Metro West depot is planned, two in one job there which suits everyone.
So does this mean that part of the Metro West line has to be constructed?

[Mark Gleeson]

So does this mean that part of the Metro West line has to be constructed?

It is not clear but MW is already in the planning process

You don't need a depot for till 2016 so plenty of time sort it out

[Colm Moore]

More legible version of the documents from ABP: http://www.pleanala.ie/news/na0003/na0003.htm

[Colm Moore]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1028/metro.htmlAn Bord Pleanála gives Metro North go ahead
Updated: 19:43, Thursday, 28 October 2010

The multi-billion-euro Metro North project in Dublin has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.

The rail link from St Stephen's Green to Swords now faces final approval from the Government on a cost benefit analysis.

The infrastructure project is described as the biggest in the history of the State and the ruling from An Bord Pleanála runs to 1,700 pages.

The board has given permission for an underground track from St Stephen's Green to north of Ballymun where it will cross the M50 on a flyover.

It will go underground at Dublin Airport stopping at a centralised transport hub before going overground again to Swords with some of the line on stilts due to the undulating landscape.

The board has eliminated three stops in the Swords area at Belinstown, Lissenhall and Seatown, and ordered the relocation of a depot and park and ride facility.

The board wants the park and ride facility and depot moved from Belinstown, which is north of Swords, because of the risk of flooding.

The overall 18km line has therefore been shortened by 2.3km.

It wants the park and ride moved to near Malahide Estuary and the depot to Dardistown near Dublin Airport.

The final plan for the underground section at Ballymun and the stop at O'Connell Street also need to be finalised.

But it is the proposed 'big dig' in the city centre, involving moving statues like the O'Connell monument and closing off part of St Stephen's Green, that is causing concern to some businesses.

Enabling works on underground utility lines is due to start next spring, while the construction itself is scheduled to last from 2012 to 2016.

The overall estimated cost has varied from €5bn at the height of the boom to €3bn now with reduced construction costs.

Supporters point out that because it will be a public-private partnership the initial cost will be taken by the private operator. The Rail Procurement Agency will have to make a final decision between two consortiums - Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express - in coming months.

A number of economic studies have been carried out by the RPA with the latest showing that for every €1 spent on the Metro there will be €2 back in terms of overall economic benefit.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has said the funding for Metro North 'is still a matter for consideration by the Government'.

Asked if funding for the project would now be ringfenced to ensure it went ahead, following today's decision, Ms Coughlan said this was only a Bord Pleanála decision.

She said the issue for whether there will be the financial wherewithal to provide Metro North was still a matter for consideration by the Government.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said the Metro North project should be postponed, while Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said it will go ahead subject to a final cost analysis.

The RPA says the line will be able to carry 20,000 passengers an hour with 10km underground providing a journey time of 20 minutes from Dublin Airport to the city centre.

The National Transport Authority has welcomed An Bord Pleanála's decision.

It said high quality integrated public transport was a key feature of successful cities worldwide.

The success over the last decade of quality bus corridors, the large increase in commuter rail patronage and the large numbers on the Luas Green and Red lines show the strong demand for fast, new public transport solutions, it said in a statement.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1028/metro-business.html
Metro North gets planning green light
Updated: 15:39, Thursday, 28 October 2010

The Metro North project in Dublin has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.

The rail link from St Stephen's Green in the city centre to Swords in north Co Dublin now faces final approval from the Government on a cost benefit analysis.

The infrastructure project is described as the biggest in the history of the state and the ruling from An Bord Pleanala runs to 1,700 pages.

The board has given permission for an underground track from St Stephen's Green to north of Ballymun where it will cross the M50 on a flyover.

It will go underground at the airport, stopping at a centralised transport hub before going overground again to Swords with some of the line on stilts due to the undulating landscape.

The board has eliminated three stops in the Swords area - at Belinstown, Lissenhall and Seatown - and has ordered the relocation of a depot and park and ride facility.

The board wants the park and ride facility and depot moved from Belinstown, north of Swords, because of the risk of flooding. It wants the park and ride moved to near the Malahide estuary and the depot to Dardistown near Dublin airport.

The overall 18 kilometre line has therefore been shortened by 2.3 kilometres.

It also says there is insufficient demand for passenger stops at Belinstown or at Seatown in Swords. The final plan for the underground section at Ballymun and the stop at O'Connell Street also need to be finalised.

But it is the proposed 'big dig' in the city centre involving moving statues like the O'Connell monument and closing off part of St Stephen's Green that is causing concern to some businesses.

Enabling works on underground utility lines is due to start next Spring while the construction itself is scheduled to last from 2012 to 2016.

The overall estimated cost has varied from €5 billion at the height of the boom to €3 billion now with reduced construction costs.

Supporters point out that because it will be a public private partnership, the initial cost will be borne by the private operator. The Rail Procurement Agency will have to make a final decision between two consortiums - Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express - in coming month.

A number of economic studies have been carried out by the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA) with the latest showing that for every €1 spent on the Metro there will be €2 back in terms of overall economic benefit.

But critics say that with the falling population growth, money would be better spend on enhanced bus services.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has said the Metro North project should be postponed while Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said it will go ahead subject to a final cost analysis.

The Rail Procurement Agency says the line will be able to carry 20,000 passengers an hour with 10 kilometres underground providing a journey time of 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.

[Colm Moore]

An Bord Pleanála approves most of plan for Metro North

Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 12:12 PM

Ambitious plans for an underground rail link connecting Dublin city centre to the airport were given the green light today.

Works on the multi-billion euro Metro North, which is described as the biggest transport project in the State’s history, could begin next year depending on Government backing.

An Bord Pleanala approved the scheme, which includes removing historic statues from along O’Connell Street during construction and building an underground stop at the controversial site for the new Children’s National Hospital in Drumcondra.

An estimated 35 million passengers a year will use the service, which will travel between the city and airport in 20 minutes, and on to Swords.

It is estimated to cost in the region of €3bn, with the majority from private investors and the remainder of funding from the State. Contracts are out to tender.

Project managers Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said the decision was a significant milestone in the creation of a high quality, sustainable, integrated public transport network for Dublin.

“Transporting people efficiently and in the most sustainable manner is vital for the economic, social and environmental well-being of any city,” said an RPA spokesman.

An underground track will travel from St Stephen’s Green towards Ballymun before it crosses over the M50 to a park and ride facility and depot at Dardistown.

It will then go underground at Dublin Airport before going overground again to Swords, where An Bord Pleanala cut two stops at Seatown and Belinstown, north of the town.

Enabling works on underground utility lines are due to start in spring, with construction scheduled to last from 2012 to 2016.

A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said Metro North was a priority public transport project for the Government.

However Fine Gael queried how much the scheme will actually cost.

Transport spokesman Simon Coveney said: “At such a critical time for the economy, it is essential that taxpayers know exactly how much major projects will cost, and what they will gain from them.

“If it is to go ahead, the business case needs to be comprehensive and convincing.”

Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party transport spokesman, said Metro North could change the shape of Dublin for the better over the next century and create 4,000 direct construction jobs as well as 2,000 indirect jobs.

“Metro North, a vital piece of infrastructure; 10 years in the planning, will benefit the city of Dublin and its inhabitants for generations to come,” he said.

Elsewhere Dublin Chamber of Commerce maintained conditions have to be put in place to ensure it will be business as usual for companies operating in the vicinity of the works.

Gina Quin, chief executive, added: “The project will lead to improved commuting times for the capital’s workforce to the city centre and the surrounding Greater Dublin area.

“Metro North will also help to stimulate economic recovery by making Dublin an easier place to live and work.”


Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/eyqlsneyidmh/#ixzz13mE886BA

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/government-signals-end-of-line-for-metro-north-2399465.htmlGovernment signals end of line for Metro North



By Paul Melia

Friday October 29 2010

THE Government has signalled that the Metro North light rail system to Dublin Airport may be scrapped -- despite being given the green-light by planners yesterday.

In a clear indication that the €2.5bn project was under threat, Tanaiste Mary Coughlan said the money might not be available to build the line.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen also refused to say if the project -- which would create up to 4,000 jobs -- would go ahead.

An Bord Pleanala yesterday granted planning permission for the 15km light-rail project which will link St Stephen's Green with Swords.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has already spent €130m and plans to spend another €85m next year on pre-construction works. But it cannot go ahead until the Government signs off on the project.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey yesterday said a formal decision would be made at the end of next year.

Mr Cowen also refused to commit to the project.

"Obviously discussions on the capital programmes are still ongoing and, so, you know, I can't speak for the Government until the Government make decisions on these matters," he said in Brussels.

Ms Coughlan was also pointedly vague. "This is only a board decision. The issue of whether there will be the financial wherewithal to provide Metro North is still a matter of consideration by the Government," she said.

The comments appear to flag a major U-turn as they come just three months after Mr Cowen insisted the project would go ahead.

At a high-profile launch of the Government's capital spending programme in July, he said the money was available and it would proceed.

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce last night warned if the project was scrapped or delayed it would cause serious "reputational" damage for the State, particularly when other major infrastructure projects were planned in the coming years.

Reputation

"There is a reputational damage if major capital projects like Metro North are delayed or don't go ahead," a spokesman said. "It's not to be under-estimated. People have spent €5m-€10m apiece getting their tenders ready.

"If the project doesn't go ahead at all, from an international point of view there will be a problem for Ireland in attracting overseas expertise to build large projects."

Metro North will be capable of carrying 20,000 passengers an hour with 10km of the system underground.

The journey time from Dublin Airport to the city centre is estimated to be around 20 minutes.

An Bord Pleanala yesterday gave permission for a scaled-down version of the line, cutting three stops, a park-and-ride facility and rail depot from the project.

The line has been reduced from 18km to 15.7km.

In a decision contained in a 1,700 page report, the board approved the scheme from the Estuary stop north of Swords to St Stephen's Green.

It includes an underground link from the city centre to Ballymun where it will cross the M50 on a flyover bridge.

But the depot, stop and park- and-ride facility at Belinstown have been refused permission along with stops at Lissenhall and Seatown.

An Bord Pleanala said as the depot was at the end of the line, it was "more likely to result in inefficient empty running of metro vehicles and extended travel for staff".

An alternative site for the depot at Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport, should be considered, it said.

Building will proceed once the Government approves a cost-benefit analysis of the project. This is not expected before the end of next year, and after the two groups bidding to build the line submit their best and final offers.

The RPA welcomed the decision, saying it provided "sufficient clarity" for the project to proceed.

- Paul Melia

Irish Independent

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1029/1224282235060.htmlCuffe hopeful of green light from Coalition

MARY MINIHAN and ARTHUR BEESLEY

THE GREENS are “hopeful” Metro North will get final approval from Government, according to Minister of State for Sustainable Transport Ciarán Cuffe.

He claimed the rail link from St Stephen’s Green in Dublin to Swords would create 4,000 construction jobs, as well as 2,000 other posts linked to the project during the construction period.

“I am now hopeful that the Government will give final approval to the project so that the works can proceed without delay,” Mr Cuffe said.

He warned that failure to balance investment in road infrastructure with comparable investment in “high quality” public transport would see a return to a gridlocked M50 in years to come.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Brian Cowen declined to give any indication of his thinking on the initiative when questioned by reporters in Brussels yesterday.

Asked if he shared the Green Party’s assessment of the importance of the project going ahead, Mr Cowen said: “The discussions on the capital programme are still ongoing. I can’t speak for the Government until the Government make decisions on these matters.”

Labour spokesman on transport Joe Costello said his party strongly supported the concept. However, given the crisis in the public finances, a cost-benefit analysis should determine the timing of the project.

[Colm Moore]

RTÉ.ie Radio 1: Morning Ireland Media Player http://www.rte.ie/news/morningireland/player.html?20101029,2845211,2845211,flash,257

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1029/1224282235036.htmlPlanning board grants permission for Metro North

OLIVIA KELLY

AN BORD Pleanála has granted permission for the Metro North, but has cut three stops and 2.3 km of track from the line sought two years ago by the Railway Procurement Agency.

The cuts will mean a new railway order, the planning application for rail infrastructure, will have to be submitted for aspects of the project. An Bord Pleanála said it was too early to say whether a new oral hearing would be required.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey yesterday said the metro was a “priority public transport project for this Government”, but would be subject to a cost-benefit analysis before the Government signed off on the project.

Doubts have been cast on the project’s viability in the current economic circumstances. Labour leader Eamon Gilmore recently said the project would be “shot back” if Labour was in power.

The line was to have been 18km long, running from St Stephen’s Green to Bellinstown in north county Dublin. However, the railway order granted by the planning board yesterday eliminates the final two stops, Lissenhall and Bellinstown, as well as Seatown, the stop closest to Swords town centre.

A new railway order is necessary because Bellinstown was to have been the location for a depot for the metro and for a landfill to take the spoil material from the construction.

The board said the 36-hectare depot site at Bellinstown, which would house stock and other ancillary services for the line, was too far from Dublin airport or Swords for efficient operations of the service. It also noted the site was prone to flooding and while engineering solutions could minimise the flood risk, this might push floods into neighbouring communities.

The land to be used to bury the spoil from construction was “good quality agricultural land” and the proposed “extensive landfilling” was not justified, the board said.

The board has directed the railway agency to submit a new application for a relocated depot at Dardistown immediately south of Dublin airport at a point where Metro North and the proposed Metro West would intersect. The application must also deal with a management plan for the construction spoil. With the exception of enabling works such as moving underground utilities, the board said construction could not begin until the new railway order was approved. The board could not say how long it would take to made a decision on the new railway order.

The railway agency yesterday said it had already developed proposals for a depot at Dardistown and would apply for permission for the depot in the near future.

Lissenhall and Bellinstown had been earmarked as new centres of residential development before the property crash. While there has been some apartment development, particularly at Lissenhall, stops at these locations were eliminated by the board because they would “promote a pattern of development and an unsustainable use of land unlikely to be supported by future travel demand in the short to medium term”.

The Seatown stop was rejected because there were sufficient stops for the Swords area and it was not justified by current or foreseeable growth in population.

Notwithstanding objections to the construction of the metro in the city centre, most notably from businessman Colm Carroll, who owns nine city-centre gift shops and runs the “No to Metro North” campaign, it said the scheme’s benefits would outweigh the short-term impact of construction.

It said the metro would not adversely affect any protected structure or national monument. However, it conceded the construction phase would have “serious impacts” on the Dublin region, particularly adjacent to the city centre, Ballymun and Swords stops.

[Colm Moore]

A useful What is Metro North? How can we pay for it? (http://dublinobserver.com/2010/10/what-is-metro-north/)

[Mark Gleeson]

The business case is available online http://nationaltransport.ie/Metro_North_Redacted_BC.pdf

[cian]

I've updated that page Colm linked to. It now mentions the redacted business case and links to it. Thanks

[Colm Moore]

http://www.airrailnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=590:dublin-airport-rail-link-given-go-ahead&catid=906:breaking-news Dublin airport rail link receives planning board approval

IRELAND: Plans for an underground rail link connecting Dublin city centre to the airport have been approved.

metro_north_railway_order_welcomed_by_rpa_image_pr An Bord Pleanala approved the scheme, which will serve a number of key destinations including the airport, hospitals, universities, retail centres as well as residential and employment districts.

An estimated 35 million passengers a year will use the service, which will travel between the city and airport in 20 minute. It is estimated to cost in the region of 3 billion euro, with the majority funds coming from private investors and the remainder from the State.

Project managers Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said the decision was a significant milestone in the creation of a high quality, sustainable, integrated public transport network for Dublin.

“This order provides sufficient clarity for RPA to now proceed to the final stage of the PPP procurement process. This is due to be complete by the end of 2011, by which time we would expect the conditions attached to the order to be satisfied.

In the meantime, the order also permits RPA to proceed with the enabling works as planned. These works, involving diversion of utilities in the city centre and heritage works are due to commence in March 2011,” the RPA spokesman said.

Key Information About Metro North

* 18 km
* 17 Stops
* City Centre to Airport in 20 minutes
* City Centre to Swords in 25 minutes
* 3 Park and Ride Facilities
* Interchange with Luas and DART
* Runs to Mater, DCU, Ballymun, Airport and Swords
* Runs every 2 minutes in peak
* Capacity for 20,000 people in each direction per hour
* 34 million passengers per year
* Net benefit to Irish economy over €1 billion

http://www.fiannafail.ie/news/entry/5594/Metro North planning permission is a significant development - Kennedy
Posted on 28/10/10 by Michael Kennedy

Dublin North TD Michael Kennedy has warmly welcomed the granting of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála for Metro North from the Estuary Stop in Swords to St. Stephen’s Green.

“This is the most important piece of infrastructure for the capital. It is essential that Metro proceeds to create up to 4,000 direct jobs during the construction phase and another 2,000 indirect jobs. A further 37,000 new jobs can potentially be created and sustained along the ‘Metro North Economic Corridor’,” said Deputy Kennedy.

“I have always maintained that Metro can and must be built. The RPA is engaged with the two bidders for the project, Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express, and this element is also progressing well. This will ensure a good deal for the taxpayer and will not cost the taxpayer billions of euro as it will be carried out under the public-private partnership model. This will see the project being built and operated privately before later coming into State control.”

“It is important to make the point that a major investment in the public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area is fundamental to the continued role of the region in creating wealth and employment for the country as a whole.”

“The detractors of Metro are mainly Southside economists who have the privilege of not having to experience the traffic jams endured every day by North Dublin commuters and enjoy DART, bus corridors and the Luas. The Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has also said as recently as October 11 when he told the Evening Herald that Metro North was one of those projects that “can wait”. He couldn’t possibly be more wrong and clearly doesn’t seem to realise or understand just how many jobs Metro North will create.”

“I have said previously that Fingal is the fastest growing county in Ireland and its population is set to double over the next two decades. Metro North will transform the public transport experience in Dublin. When the project was first proposed it was to be a Metro to the airport. I was one of the first public representatives to begin work on ensuring this was expanded to take the Metro out to Swords. It was clear to me that the project would need significant commuter travel and not just travel to and from the airport to make it viable.”

“An Bord Pleanála has decided not to approve certain elements of the scheme in the area north of Swords, namely the depot and ancillary facilities at Belinstown, and proposed line and stop at Lissenhall and Seatown. The proposed depot site location at Belinstown is located too far from Dublin Airport or Swords and faces a risk of flooding. I note this ruling by the board but I continue to maintain the Metro North is vital for the local, regional and national economy,” concluded Deputy Kennedy.

http://www.tommybroughan.com/content.php?page=press_content&id=2006GREAT DAY FOR THE NORTHSIDE AS METRO NORTH APPROVED
28 Oct 2010

Dublin North East Labour Deputy Tommy Broughan has congratulated the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) on their successful application to An Bord Pleanala for approval for the development of Metro North.

Deputy Broughan said, \"The decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant planning approval to the Metro North is a positive step forward. Not only will it provide a much needed fixed line transport link from Dublin City Centre across the Northside to Dublin Airport and beyond. But it has also been estimated that the construction of Metro North will provide 7000 construction jobs each year and up to 14,000 jobs in the wider economy.

\"In their judgment, An Bord Pleanala decided that the development of Metro North would provide adequate interconnection with existing and future transport systems and would not have unacceptable environmental, traffic, congestion or unsustainable planning impacts. The Board also found that it would not adversely affect the character or setting of any protected structure or National Monument. The Board acknowledged the potential impacts of the construction phase of the development but \"accepted that the long term benefits of the scheme would outweigh the short term impacts due to construction.\"

\"However, there were a number of elements of the Railway Order that were not accepted by the Board. These include the decision not to approve the depot and ancillary facilities at Belinstown and a proposed line and stop at Lissenhall. The Board said that the Lissenhall and Belinstown lands are remote from development lands and population centres and their development is not supported by the National Development Plan or Transport 21.

\"An Bord Pleanala also set out a detailed series of conditions for the development of Metro North to address the concerns of local residents and business people along the proposed route. These include measures for environmental mitigation; environmental risk management; the construction method through the Ballymun area; stop locations and design specifications including at proposed stations at Seatown, Drumcondra and O’Connell Street; a comprehensive public information strategy; a property owners protection scheme; a programme to address the impact on buildings and structures of architectural and historical merit (including the Fusiliers Arch at St. Stephen’s Green which can now be temporarily relocated); vibration impacts and airborne noise and water and drainage considerations. \"

Deputy Broughan added, \"The case for proceeding now with Metro North is now overwhelming and the detailed Cost Benefit Analysis is massively positive. It is now down to the final two bidders and a final decision will be made by April 2011. Both final bidders have strong Irish connected companies and the project will provide a massive fillip to the Irish construction industry.

\"€140 million has already been spent on the project and the enabling works for Metro North will cost just a net €80 million in 2011. The CPO costs have also have been wildly exaggerated by vested interests and the first Implementation Payment will not be incurred until late 2012 or early 2013 (at the earliest). Lastly, of course there are great fears that the Irish government would probably be sued by the bidders (as in the case of Slovakia recently) if the Metro is axed or badly delayed. (In fact the Slovakian government ended up paying out €81 million in compensation to the last bidder for the D1 Motorway PPP after they cancelled the project).\"

[Colm Moore]

http://reilly.ie/Why I back the Metro North Project.
19 October 2010

It will put 5,000 construction workers back to work in addition to helping to create 37,000 new jobs in Fingal .

• Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore, TD said on RTE radio (Sat 2ndOct) that the Metro North project “would be shot back” by the Labour Party.
• I reject labours negative attitude to jobs and public transport in Fingal
• I recently met the Metro North project managers, (RPA) where the costs were clearly outlined.
• The 5,000 Construction Jobs will save the Govt. €100 million per annum in Social Welfare

The potential for additional New Jobs
• A recent meeting of Dublin Airport Authority outlined a 5,000 job international hub project on a 22 acre site at the Airport. The Metro is a key driver of this project
• 37,000 Fingal Job Potential according to international Consultants Indecon

The Real Costs
• The ‘Build’ cost is 50% of the exaggerated figures as speculated on in the media.
• Metro north is affordable – will be paid for over 30 years.(via PPP investment)
• Backed by European Investment Bank
• First payment on build cost not due for 5 years.
• Cost Benefit Analysis for €1 invested we get €2 back.


Fine Gael Party leader Enda Kenny supports Metro North

“I am positively disposed to the Metro North Project which will deliver key transport connectivity to Dublin City and put 5,000 construction workers back to work. It will deliver 37,000 jobs according to Indecon economic consultants. Large infrastructure projects will be subject to assessment by Fine Gael when in Government” said Enda Kenny.

The Labour Party’s negative attitude shocks me. They say they will invest in jobs but when asked by RTE’s Marian Finucane on Sat 2nd October, about Metro North, Eamon Gilmore said “it would be shot back”

I say invest in Fingal Jobs – build the Metro North Project now

Deputy James Reilly TD

http://www.fiannafail.ie/news/entry/obrien-welcomes-green-light-for-metro-north/O’Brien welcomes green light for Metro North
Posted on 28/10/10 by Darragh O’Brien O’Brien welcomes green light for Metro North

Dublin North T.D. Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for Metro North, describing it as the most important infrastructural development in the capital.

“Metro North is an extremely important project which will create at least 6,000 construction jobs and has the potential to create and sustain 37,000 jobs in business investment.”

“The case for the Metro North is solid. Fingal is the fastest growing county in Ireland. The approval given today reinforces the economic corridor from North County Dublin through to the city centre and this is the reason many businesses have chosen to locate in the area around Dublin Airport and in North Dublin recently. There is incredible confidence among our international partners and we must deliver on this project to ensure further investments into the future.”

“An Bord Pleanála has approved the Metro from the Estuary stop in Swords to St Stephen’s Green. The decision includes the provision of an underground link from the city centre to Ballymun where the line will cross the M50 on a bridge.”

“I note conditions have been attached to the decision which include that three of the stations that were initially proposed have not received planning permission, at Belinstown (depot, stop and park and ride), Lissenhall and Seatown.”

“In May, the Vice President of the European Investment Bank Plutarchos Sakellaris described Metro as a ‘significant contribution to sustainable urban transport in the greater Dublin area and will be the backbone for a future integrated public transport network’. This is a major endorsement and came along with a loan commitment of €500m from the EIB for the Metro work.”

“The economic boost to the country from the construction of Metro North will be significant. The exchequer will also benefit from reduced construction costs.”

“Two PPP tenders have been short-listed, Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express. The RPA will make a final decision on these two consortia over the coming weeks. The enabling works for Metro North will begin in the Spring and I look forward to seeing that work get underway,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.

[Grumpy Jack]

Any word yet on contracts for the Metro North enabling works being signed? The Business Case says contracts must be signed by now for first work to begin in January, ie Mater station box.

Also, the Mail on Sunday reports that Metro North will be 'scrapped' in Budget and put on hold for at least three years. Quotes a senior Fianna Fail source as saying Brian Cowen has 'gone cold' on the €2.5bn project and the Greens have backed down on their stance that it must go ahead.

Has anyone heard anything to back that up? It's not what I was told recently by someone close to the project. I was told enabling works will be going ahead and the funding ring-fenced in the capital budget.

My understanding is if the PPP process is scrapped then the PPP project is gone for good as it will be next to impossible to attract investors to tender on future PPPs in Ireland because of the risk of cancellation on a political whim.

And is there any substance to Tommy Broughan's assertion that the State may face compensation claims from the final bidders if the govt axes Metro? He bases it on the cancellation of a PPP motorway in Slovakia for which the Slovakian govt was forced to pay out €86m to the bidders.

[Mark Gleeson]

We don't know, its still all go from our view point. Obviously nothing will happen until the two Brian's tell us all what is going on.

[dowlingm]

Looks like one group is getting cold feet (http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/metro-north-bidder-may-leave-project-52588.html) with ABP's relocation of the depot. Nothing to do with its financing bank being a complete basket case, of course.

I reckon the two Brians are hoping if they keep deferring, they'll avoid cancellation costs when the bidders move on themselves.

[Colm Moore]

Any word yet on contracts for the Metro North enabling works being signed? The Business Case says contracts must be signed by now for first work to begin in January, ie Mater station box.And what magically prevents them from being signed next week?

Also, the Mail on Sunday reports ...:rolleyes:

My understanding is if the PPP process is scrapped then the PPP project is gone for good as it will be next to impossible to attract investors to tender on future PPPs in Ireland because of the risk of cancellation on a political whim.Yes, it would be difficult.

And is there any substance to Tommy Broughan's assertion that the State may face compensation claims from the final bidders if the govt axes Metro? He bases it on the cancellation of a PPP motorway in Slovakia for which the Slovakian govt was forced to pay out €86m to the bidders.It would seem there was an actual contract in that case, not a tender situation. In any case, it looks like there are shenanigans in the Slovakian overall PPP process.

http://spectator.sme.sk/articles/view/40617/3/ministry_ppp_study_was_manipulated.html

Looks like one group is getting cold feet (http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/metro-north-bidder-may-leave-project-52588.html) with ABP's relocation of the depot. Nothing to do with its financing bank being a complete basket case, of course.Of course, there are four bidders. If one of the top two drop out, number 3 might be quite happy to re-join the process.

There are a bunch of errors in the SBP article - ABP removed the depot, they didn't exempt it (exempting it would mean it doesn't need planning permission / a railway order).

[Grumpy Jack]

And what magically prevents them from being signed next week?

RPA waiting on govt approval - they still don't know if funding will be approved in Budget. Seem to be as much in dark now as rest of us.

:rolleyes:

I would think the same normally but someone in FF is briefing this way and it ties in with what Cowen and Coughlan said on day ABP RO ruling released.

It would seem there was an actual contract in that case, not a tender situation. In any case, it looks like there are shenanigans in the Slovakian overall PPP process.

http://spectator.sme.sk/articles/view/40617/3/ministry_ppp_study_was_manipulated.html


Certain people who should know more not sure where we stand legally of project dropped now before BAFOs are submitted. I was told 'we don't think so but we're checking it out'. Doesn't fill one with confidence - although if such legal action is a strong possibility it may influence decision to proceed for now with enabling works as it will be easier to drop project if BAFO not to govt's liking.

[Mark Gleeson]

Seems likes to a goer http://www.herald.ie/national-news/taoiseach-gives-the-thumbsup-to-metro-2416100.html

[Grumpy Jack]

Seems likes to a goer http://www.herald.ie/national-news/taoiseach-gives-the-thumbsup-to-metro-2416100.html

Just saw that. Good news.

Or maybe he's just kicking to touch for FG and Labour to take the decision after a spring election.

I'm just cyncial...

[weehamster]

I'm just cyncial...
Your not the only one. I don't trust this government at all . I'll only believe the project will go ahead when the contract has been signed. :cool:

[Colm Moore]

http://www.businessandfinance.ie/cat_news_detail.jsp?itemID=3224 Stalled transport projects could deliver competitiveness - Chamber
18 November 2010 9:24

Given current Exchequer constraints Transport 21 projects need to be delivered with the support of private financing, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at the Dublin Chamber’s Annual Transport 21 briefing, Dublin Chamber President, Peter Brennan expressed serious concern that 17 of the 32 Transport 21 projects in Dublin are delayed. If delivered, he argued, these would improve the competitiveness of Ireland in general and Dublin in particular.

“Despite the economic climate the more rapid delivery of Transport 21 projects needs to be prioritised as it will facilitate a more sustainable economic recovery,” said Mr Brennan. “We are concerned that the Government are not progressing any new transport projects at the moment. While it is obvious that economic conditions do not allow for the Government to make major spending, they are we understand not making any decisions on projects that could be delivered through private financing.”

Earlier this year the Department of Finance reviewed the capital expenditure programme which prioritised projects in the context of reduction in the level of capital spending. Dublin Chamber is concerned that in addition to this reduction that the capital spending is exaggerated because the review transfers certain current spending items to the capital side, such as roads maintenance.

“Ireland’s capital assets are an essential component of the competitiveness of the economy,” said Mr Brennan. “Yet Ireland remains far behind our European and OECD counterparts in terms of infrastructure provision, despite high levels of investment in recent years. These investment projects often have the added benefit of being employment rich in nature. It is important that we all recognise that the Metro North and DART Underground projects - which should be built at the same time - will alleviate capacity constraints in the Dublin rail network.”

The challenge for Government is how to fund the capital expenditure programme. Mr Brennan believes that the private sector could be used to meet most of the financing needs. “The use of private finance through the Public Private Partnership model allows the Exchequer to spread the cost of infrastructure over a longer time frame that is more in line with the usage of and benefits from the investment. Projects procured under this model are being delivered faster and ahead of schedule whilst significant long term responsibility and risks are being passed in a value for money manner across to the private sector. It is a proven procurement and funding model and more projects in our view could and should use this route.”

Mr Brennan was speaking at the Dublin Chamber’s Annual Transport 21 Briefing, which included speakers from the National Transport Authority, the Railway Procurement Agency, Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and the National Roads Authority.

[Colm Moore]

http://www.rpa.ie/en/projects/metro_north/build_and_operation_permission/Pages/MetroNorthRedactedBusinessCase.aspxHome > English > Projects > Metro North > Build & Operation Permission > Metro North Redacted Business Case

Metro North Redacted Business Case October 2010

Metro North Redacted Business Case (http://www.rpa.ie/Documents/Metro%20North/Metro%20North%20Redacted%20Business%20Case/MNDBC_FinalRDCTClean.pdf)

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1215/1224285580700.htmlMetro North manager says project has broad support
TIM O'BRIEN

THERE WAS a broad public and political consensus behind Metro North and a new government was unlikely to halt it, the project manager claimed yesterday.

Answering questions at an Engineers Ireland seminar on tunnelmaking, Rob Leech said he did not believe Metro North would become “like Lima” in Peru.

In Lima, he explained, the government had spent heavily on enabling works for new railways but the project had been suspended, with the result that people had made houses out of the viaducts.

Mr Leech also dismissed what a speaker referred to as the “Edinburgh situation”, a reference taken to mean the delivery and display of trams for a new light-rail system for that city some years before the completion of the tram line.

About €135 million has already been spent on enabling works and planning for Metro North and the Railway Procurement Agency said yesterday that €45 million had been provided for it in the Budget. This brings the total spend on Metro North to almost €200 million before the project has received Government approval.

Both Fine Gael and Labour refused to give an absolute commitment to the project yesterday, claiming such a move would be “irresponsible” before assuming office and seeing the full costs.

Simon Coveney of Fine Gael said the party would like to see the project completed, but had reservations about money being spent before a final decision.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also refused to commit the party to the project in advance of the financial cost. A party spokesman said, however, that any money spent on “enabling works” would not be wasted as it would “still be there in five of six years time”.

Asked if uncertainty surrounding final approval and compulsory purchase orders could result in “an economic corridor from St Stephen’s Green to Swords being sterilised” for the best part of 10 years, Mr Leech said he did not think so.

Contracts for significant enabling works would be awarded early next year. “Until we sign the public-private partnership we can’t say the project will go the full way . . . but it is a note of confidence that the Government said it will support enabling works over the next year or so.”

He said the agency had met Opposition transport spokesmen and “Labour and Fine Gael were broadly supportive” of the project.

A note of caution was sounded by Tim Brick, executive director of the Irish Academy of Engineering. He warned that public consultation by way of An Bord Pleanála and environmental assessments had failed to win public support in a wide range of projects from the Shell to Sea campaign to the Dublin Port Tunnel.

As a former deputy city engineer responsible for the Dublin Port Tunnel, he said valuable experience of tunnelling and the physical work had been gained, but formalised public consultation through environmental impact statements and planning was not achieving consensus.

“Anyone who thinks building civic consensus, public relations and direct and media contact with the public are a project add-on is mistaken.”

Mr Brick said experience with the Dublin tunnel had thought him “the media obsession with controversy must be suborned and contested. If you are in the headlines, the news is usually bad and the media appetite insatiable.”

[Colm Moore]

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/metro-north-still-on-track-says-director-2461176.htmlMetro North still on track, says director
By Treacy Hogan

Wednesday December 15 2010

THE Metro to Dublin Airport can be bankrolled by private cash and is still on track, the project's director claimed yesterday.

Despite the restraints on finances, the Metro is still economically viable, he said.

Rob Leech, Metro North project manager, told an Engineers Ireland seminar that high-quality integrated public transport was a key feature of the most successful cities worldwide. He said there had been "some extraordinary claims that it would cost €5bn to build Metro North".

"Even at the height of the boom it would have cost far less than that," he added.

At a time of falling construction costs they expected to get unprecedented value.

Metro North was being developed under a public private partnership arrangement. This means the private sector initially funds the majority of the costs.

The State contributes in two ways -- a part contribution to the construction cost and later annual payments, spread over a long period of time, payable only when the metro is running.

John Power, Engineers Ireland director general, predicted Metro North had the potential to create 4,000 direct jobs and a further 2,000 indirect jobs.

- Treacy Hogan

Irish Independent

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0314/1224292062251.html Further delays to Metro North 'not an option'
CARL O'BRIEN

FURTHER DELAYS to Metro North in Dublin are “not an option” and could undermine the State’s ability to seek investors for other major infrastructure projects, according to unpublished Government briefing material.

Officials at the Department of Transport say the options facing the Government are to either scrap the proposed 18km rail link from St Stephen’s Green to Swords or proceed quickly with enabling works.

They say the two bidders involved in the procurement process for the planned Metro have invested significant sums of money in keeping their teams mobilised.

“If the project does not proceed based on this competition it is highly unlikely that bidders with the requisite skills would invest the substantial sums required to put another bid together,” the briefing material states.

“This could also have a serious impact on the credibility of the Government as a counter-party for PPP [public-private partnership] deals for other major infrastructure investment projects.”

Fine Gael and Labour’s programme for government does give a firm commitment to funding Metro North, but it pledges to support high-capacity commuter services subject to cost-benefit analysis.

The full extent of the exchequer budget for the project has not been disclosed as officials say the figures are commercially sensitive. Well-placed sources, however, say it would be in the region of €3 billion.

The latest estimates on the business case for the Metro, prepared by the Railway Procurement Agency, estimate it would yield €2 in economic benefits for every €1 spent on its construction.

Officials also estimate that it could create about 4,000 construction jobs, as well as 2,000 other posts linked to the project during the construction period.

Records indicate the State has already spent about €135 million on planning, diverting utilities and works on heritage for Metro North.

A further €45 million is expected to be spent on similar works this year, according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act.

This brings the total spend on Metro North to almost €175 million before the project has received formal Government approval.

While the Fianna Fáil-Green Party coalition agreed an undisclosed budget for the project in January 2008, it will fall to the new Government to confirm whether it intends to proceed with the project.

Last Mayr the board of the European Investment Bank approved a loan of up to €500 million for Metro North.

Two consortiums have been short-listed to build the Metro.

Some commentators have advocated scrapping Metro North and focusing on the proposed Dart Underground scheme on the basis that it would be cheaper, benefit more passengers and yield a greater economic return.

This project involves a tunnel linking the Docklands and Inchicore which would provide underground stations in the city and link existing rail systems such as the Luas and Inter-city trains.

In unpublished records, department officials say a straight comparison between Metro and the Dart Underground are difficult as they have different objectives.

They state, however, that the Metro plans are at a much more advanced stage, while the Dart Underground could take another 12 months for planning approval.

Given the pressure on the public finances, the previous government announced last year that it would not be possible to fund the Dart project in the near future.