Hopes are rising that there will be a rail link to Dublin Airport and Swords announced shortly

Comments by Tánaiste Joan Burton that she was 'confident' of an announcement soon on a rail link to Dublin Airport has led to fresh hopes that the long-awaited rail link to the airport and on to Swords will form part of the Government's new capital spending programme, as reported in the Fingal Independent earlier in the summer.

In her speech Dublin Chamber event, the Tánaiste stated that she was confident that positive news on the Airport rail link will be announced in the Capital Spending Plan in a matter of weeks.

Dublin Chamber CEO Gina Quin, welcomed the news, saying: 'Such a link is needed not only to serve Dublin Airport, but also to cater for the rapidly-expanding population of north Dublin.'

Meanwhile, a local Fine GAel TD has said that 'the delivery of a new, long-term, sustainable transport option to serve Swords and Dublin Airport must happen now'.

Deputy FArrell said: 'I am calling on the cabinet, and specifically the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD to provide a rail-based solution, which will meet the long-term requirements of the North County and connect Swords and Dublin Airport with the city centre.'

He added: 'Those who live and work in Swords, Dublin Airport and surrounding communities have waited long enough for certainty regarding this critical infrastructure.

'I believe Minister Donohoe should put a plan into action to equip the North County with the necessary capital funding to provide a high-frequency, rail-based solution which will provide us with a level of connectivity that our road infrastructure simply cannot.'

However, Senator Darragh O'Brien (FF) has grown frustrated over continuing delays in coming to a decision over the long-promised rail link.

He said: 'I am struggling to understand why these plans are continually delayed. If indeed it is the case that the Government is committed to following through on plans to transform the public transport network in the region, why weren't the details published three months ago as promised?.

'It is becoming increasingly clear that the Government intends to back track on promises on Metro North and the Dart underground. If they think that a bendy bus option is a replacement, they are sorely mistaken. This would be a purely temporary measure and cannot be seen as a replacement for a proper train network.

'I also have concerns about extending the Luas to the airport, given that it is significantly slower than the Dart or train.'

Senator O'Brien concluded: 'It is unfair of the Government to leave north Dubliners in the dark about this.'

Fingal Independent