Dozens of families in North Dublin will now not see their homes demolished to make way for the new MetroLink project.
The relief for homeowners living in the Duncassian Downs estate near Glasnevin comes as a revised version of the €5 billion Metro project was unveiled by the NTA (National Transport Authority).
It has also been announced that GAA clubs, Na Fianna and Ballymun, will be saved from having their pitches dug up to make way for the national infrastructure project.
Both clubs had the benefit of lobbying from politicians asking for the route of Metro to be diverted, including Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe.
The new layout will see the project cut back in other areas, with southsiders in Dublin having to come in as far as the Charlemont stop - near St Stephen’s Green - if they want to use the new speedy train connection towards the airport.
It’s planned that the route will then completely skip the city centre from there travelling underground to Swords and Dublin Airport.
It was estimated that the upgrade works on the Southside could have knocked out the Luas services in some places south of St Stephen’s Green by up to four years.
There was also going to be huge disruption for commuters, businesses and residents in the four years.
It was no surprise that there was huge opposition from locals to this plan, but many others in the same areas are now protesting that the services won’t be expanded.
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “There are very significant benefits associated with MetroLink, particularly in terms of the integrated transport system that it will bring about for Dublin.
“For example, thanks to MetroLink, there will finally be a rail link to Dublin Airport, and with easy interchange with other modes including bus, Dart and commuter rail, MetroLink will make it easier than ever to move into and around the capital.
“It is also of benefit in providing a more sustainable transport alternative and by providing a great incentive to get people out of their cars and on to public transport.
“MetroLink will be a significant economic driver for the region with about 4,000 jobs to be created during construction.
MetroLink southside expected to be cut as NTA set to announce route
“The MetroLink plan we are announcing today is a key component of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, 2016-2035, adopted by Government in 2016.
“In addition, MetroLink is one of three major public transport infrastructure projects included in the National Development Plan under Project Ireland 2040, published in 2018, along with Dart Expansion and BusConnects.”
