Clarity on Metrolink route and timelines hailed by council chief

Fingal County Council will work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland over the coming months to ensure that the final design is the one best suited to Fingal and the Metro Economic Corridor.  Following the announcement of the preferred route for the long-awaited metro link, which will carry passengers from Swords to the city centre in just 25 minutes, Fingal County Council CEO Paul Reid said 'clarity' on the route and timelines was welcome. Furthermore, Mr Reid welcomed the commencement of the public consultation phase on the project, which he said had the 'potential to deliver on Project Ireland 2040's vision for future growth and development in Swords and the wider Fingal area'. He said: "Fingal County Council has long advocated the strategic need for a metro link from Dublin City Centre to the Airport, Swords and North County Dublin and today's announcement is welcome as it has brought some clarity in relation to the route and timelines.

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Ibec welcomes Project Ireland 2040

Ibec statement on Project Ireland 2040

Ibec, the group which represents Irish business, has today welcomed the announcement of Project Ireland 2040, comprising of the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework.

Ibec CEO, Danny McCoy, said: “The launch of Project Ireland 2040 heralds a new and exciting era for the Irish economy and society. Planning for the future is everyone’s business. We have now clearly moved beyond the economic recovery phase and can look to the next stage of development with real ambition.

“For some time now, Ibec has identified a lack of investment in the economy as a major constraint to progress. The €116bn 10 year investment plan, which will see capital spending exceed 4% of economic output, is visionary and comprehensive. Together with the National Planning Framework it will allow us to plan for a bigger population and for better distribution of economic activity across the regions.

“Our economy relies heavily on the performance of our cities and urban areas. Better functioning, sustainable, and more vibrant towns and cities will drive prosperity right across the country. It is extremely positive to see the clear identification of prioritised urban growth centres across each of the regions.

“Project Ireland 2040 will bring people and places closer together. The investment in major public transport projects, coupled with ambitious new road projects to better connect our regional cities and towns will help address our growing congestion challenges and improve our quality of life.. It is a major commitment to delivering a compact, connected and networked island of Ireland and can help offset some of the challenges of Brexit. It is now essential that all sections of society embrace the opportunity of the plan to ensure that its implementation is as successful as possible.”

Visit Ibec @ http://www.ibec.ie