Chambers Ireland has welcomed the Government’s decision to authorise MetroLink to proceed to the market bidding stage.
Chief Executive Ian Talbot described the announcement as a significant step towards delivering the infrastructure required to support Ireland’s long-term economic, housing and climate ambitions:
“The progression of MetroLink represents a significant milestone for Ireland and not just the areas located along its route. This is the type of strategic infrastructure investment the State requires if we are to accommodate growth, improve quality of life and achieve our climate targets.
Today’s announcement is an important signal that Ireland is prepared to invest for the long-term. It should be viewed as one of many major infrastructure projects needed to build sustainable cities and regions for the future.”
Mr Talbot said the project’s potential to unlock housing development was particularly significant:
“Delivering sustainable growth means investing in infrastructure ahead of demand rather than reacting to problems after they emerge. The State’s competitiveness depends on our ability to provide efficient transport systems that aid affordable housing and build attractive places in which people can live and work.
Major public transport projects such as MetroLink help achieve all three objectives simultaneously by opening up vital lands for housing development. Increasing housing supply requires the transport infrastructure that makes large-scale residential development viable and attractive places for people to live.
By supporting that development along its route, MetroLink has great potential to deliver the homes needed for the next generation while reducing reliance on private car travel.“
He reiterated the organisation’s call for accelerated delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects and urged continued focus on implementation:
“The priority now is to ensure MetroLink moves ahead without delay and that the same focus is applied across the transport, water and wastewater and energy infrastructure projects on which Ireland’s competitiveness depends.
A consistent programme of infrastructure delivery is essential if the State is to retain the workforce, expertise and supply chains needed to deliver other critical national projects in the years ahead.”