[13/05/2010] Dublin 15 public transport meeting in The Paddocks, Littlepace 8pm

[CastaheaneyMan]

Was at this meeting - main items relating to Rail ( I am going from memory so anyone reading this heard something different correct me) :

• Irish Rail will have Hansfield ready when new M3 Parkway to Docklands service starts but unlikely to open on time as Ongar link road being provided by developer and no date on opening.

• Irish Rail or council have no firm date from developer and Joan commented that pressure being put on from every angle to get complete - we will see ;< Noticed on leaflet through door from Leo Varadkar that he is saying October/November.

• Two other entrances for station in planning permission not available and no indication if or when developer will do. Politicians urged residents to put in submission to Fingal development plan about these two entrances to put pressure on developer and keep in focus of council.

• There will be no parking at Hansfield and never will be (written into planning permission). Joan said all local TDs argued this with planners but no movement.

• New service from M3 Parkway will operate off peak weekdays and at weekends in addition to present Clonsilla to Dockland peak times. No decision yet on frequency.

• Level Crossings - 6 level crossings from city centre to Clonsilla can be completed in three years if Irish Rail receive funding and planning permissions run to schedule (few laughs around room when this item mentioned).

• Clonsilla level crossing causing traffic discruption when closed, peak time over crowding and size of Hansfield station overshadowing some housing main other items that came up.

Outside above most questions were actually for Dublin bus and DB guys presenting were very good (Ray in particular really knew his stuff) and would recommend going to public sessions with Dublin Bus on changes. (and no I don't work for DB). Going on what they said O'Connell bridge is going to get very, very busy.

Irish rail guys well able to answer questions but had no presentation or handouts which meant things like Dart Connector went completely over most people's heads in room despite a plug from Joan at end of meeting.
Irish rail rep made a big deal over electrification and bi directional signalling as the solving of all ills on line.