It is a complete and utter no-brainer, Irishrail201. They know perfectly well, but (a) they see no votes in it, especially if they are from outside the area; and (b) sure, we have to see if any of our property developing friends want the land first. Oh, it' reserved for public transport? Ahhh, well, c'mere and we'll talk about that, ok? Say nothing. Certainly don't post it on IRM or I won't get re-elected.....
Think I've blown that one, haven't I?
The underground system is by far the best, but the Clongriffin spur would do. The underground needs to be revived - fifteen years is a long time, though it took them FORTY long years to reopen the Harcourt Street line!
The LUAS is still needed, however, northside, possibly out to Santry / Swords. But that's not all - the south west side of the city is growing very rapidly as we speak - I look out of my window right now and see two large housing estates of 4 bed family homes being built across the road and beyond that. The population in this area is probably growing more rapidly than anywhere else. Places like Terenure / Rathfarmham / Ballyboden / Kiltipper need a tram line, and if the authorities were any use, they'd be looking at building it all the way up to Stocking Wood for the (currently underway) massive expansion up there.
It's going to have to happen some day. Meantime, the underground? (Oh.... this is the first time I've ever seen the Dáil bar empty....)