NTA statement on Na Fianna site is welcome- Rock

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock, has today welcomed the National Transport Authority’s statement in the Oireachtas Transport Committee that it is actively looking at one alternative solution to minimise the disruption for Na Fianna CLG, Scoil Mobhí, Scoil Chaitríona and Home Farm FC in Glasnevin as part of the MetroLink project.

Deputy Rock said: “I was glad that the NTA, at my invitation, took the opportunity to state that they are now working towards a solution which will see the main pitch at Na Fianna saved, minimise the construction footprint in Glasnevin, minimise the amount of construction time and disruption, yet cost fractionally less and be no slower than the previous proposal.

“The NTA were appearing in the Oireachtas at my request, I am glad they did so, and glad they listened to the concerns raised after I previously requested them to appear before the Oireachtas Transport Committee to hear the concerns of Na Fianna, Scoil Mobhí, Scoil Chaitríona and Home Farm FC. This has been an example of effective public engagement, and a good example of how we can work well to advance the interests of ordinary people in the Oireachtas.

“While representatives from other parties criticised this solution due to the perceived costs, I believe that this solution will cost the taxpayer nothing extra and from a community perspective is the right thing to do. While heckles were raised that Northside concerns got more airtime than Southside concerns, I make no apologies for convening the session of the Transport Committee which heard the issues facing the Northside and put them front and centre in the Oireachtas during the window of the consultation process. It is hardly my fault that the Senator who belatedly complains about this was not awake to the process at the time.

“I was satisfied that the NTA were also able to confirm other elements of the project today including that the single bore solution will have no impact on the timeframe for the MetroLink delivery, it will have no impact on cost and if anything, it will be fractionally cheaper, that full conclusions are to be announced between mid to end August and finally, that no conclusion has been made on where exactly the station site will be.

“These are also positive statements from the NTA and I am hopeful that they will continue to work closely with those affected and the Oireachtas Committee,” concluded Deputy Rock.

ENDS