My observations to An Bord Pleanála can be summarised as follows:
- I strongly welcome the electrification of the railway to Drogheda.
- I am concerned by proposals for infrastructure changes at Howth Junction to facilitate the operation of an enforced transfer at that station for passengers to/from Bayside, Sutton and Howth. The European Investment Bank’s analysis unit, JASPERS, predicts a 50% reduction in passenger numbers due to the enforced transfer. In consequence, they recommended:
“Further analysis and public consultations should be made on the ideal operating
model for DART+CN, in particular whether or not to enforce transfer at Howth
Junction for Howth route trains (with the overall operational consequences this
implies).”
The Minister for Transport has asked his Department to follow up with NTA and Iarnród Éireann in relation to the implementation of this recommendation. The only potential operating model which has been presented for the Howth Junction
transfer infrastructure shows only disbenefits. In the absence of an operating model which shows benefits, this element of the project cannot constitute proper planning and sustainable development. - Iarnród Éireann needs to improve walking and wheeling access to stations, especially where it would enable more direct routes for public transport interchange or to/from local destinations. Safe permanent access is needed at Clongriffin. Sutton Station is being addressed by Fingal County Council as part of the Sutton to Malahide scheme; these two projects need to be integrated and made complementary.
- The opportunity which Dart+ Coastal North presents to provide high quality additional bicycle parking to meet future needs should be taken.
