New figures highlighting Dublin’s lengthy commute times are evidence of the huge public transport challenge facing the new Government, according to business group, Dublin Chamber.
The Chamber was reacting to figures published yesterday in Eurofound’s new European Quality of Life Survey, based on data compiled in 2016, which reveal that Dublin has the fifth longest commute times in Europe.
Traffic congestion in the Greater Dublin Area is currently costing the economy around €350 million per annum – and that cost is rising all of the time. By 2033, that figure is forecast to hit around €2 billion.
Speaking yesterday, Dublin Chamber’s Head of Public Affairs, Fergus Sharpe said, "The business community has been crying out for greater investment in public transport for years now. The MetroLink project is important, but not sufficient on its own. We need to see real commitment to all elements of the DART Expansion Programme, including the underground rail interconnector which has been talked about in one shape or form since the early ‘70s."
He added, "This would be a national as well as a regional project, uniting Ireland’s intercity railway network while also providing the backbone of an urban mass transit system. Whatever the composition of the new Government formed this year, it must show real ambition and commit to delivery of both projects."
Source: www.businessworld.ie