1^st October 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY LASHES AUTHORITIES OVER HOUSES ON HARCOURT STREET LINE

The Green Party has heavily criticised Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and An Bord Pleanala for allowing houses to be built on the former Harcourt Street railway line in Shankill. The houses are currently nearing completion.

Two of the twelve houses at "Cul na Greine" in Shankill have been built directly on top of the railway alignment which has been earmarked for the future Metro line due to connect the Luas line with the DART line at Shanganagh between Shankill and Bray. Although Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council initially refused permission for the development, they made no mention of the railway line in their decision. An Bord Pleanala subsequently granted permission for the application.

"I am very upset about this" stated local TD Ciaran Cuffe. It just beggars belief that the Council would not have safeguarded the old railway line and kept it free from development. They are even rezoning land south of Shankill in anticipation of the line being reopened, yet they have allowed houses to be built on the old alignment. Even though the DTO 'Platform for change' document was published after permission was granted for these dwellings, I believe that the Council should have acquired the site by Compulsory Purchase Order. I understand that the Developer did approach the Council, but that the Council would not acquire the land. The location would have been perfect for a new Shankill Metro Station.

"Looking ahead I want the Rail Procurement Agency, the Dublin Transportation Office and Local Authorities to make more of an effort to keep former railway lines free from development that could compromise future transport plans.

ENDS