The Chamber is pleased to note that Government’s '2030 Vision' for transport now include long-term plans to extend a Luas line between Sandyford and Tallaght.  The line, first advocated by the Chamber , is will tie into the Dublin Metro West project, and create a continuous Luas system extending from Bray to Dublin Airport via Sandyford, Tallaght and Liffey Valley.

In addition to providing public access to Dublin Airport for residents of inland suburbs, the line will provide much needed east-west public transport along growing residential and commercial areas such as Tallaght, Dundrum, Tallaght, Citywest and the western suburbs of Dublin.  It will provide a much needed alternative to the M-50 which will only become more congested as time goes by.

In a comment letter sent to the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 26 January 2010, the Chamber also called for:

-          Extending a Luas line from Dun Laoghaire to the existing Luas line that serves Sandyford and Dundrum.

-          Funding and selection of transport projects based on their cost-benefit ratio, ability to stimulate economic activity and job growth and the degree to which they improve the coordination and utility of our existing transportation infrastructure.

-          That the NTA investigate whether the level of regulation associated with designing, approving and building transportation projects can be streamlined to lower costs to taxpayers and business without reducing the quality of the systems provided.

-          Greater emphasis should be placed on coordinating public transportation and providing park-n-ride facilities.

-          An integrated ticketing system is needed that would allow users to purchase a single ticket  for journeys involving use of multiple public transport systems.

-          Since tourism is a key contributor to the Dublin economy., transport signage, ticketing, schedule and related information should be provided in a simple, clear and ‘people-friendly’ manner, easily understood by visitors and residents alike.

-          Efforts to restrict vehicular traffic in town centres must take into account the needs of retailers.  Shoppers tend to have bulky packages that are not easily accommodated on public transportation.  Without parking solutions such as the German ‘Parkhaused’, retail customer will flee town centres.

The Chamber continues to monitor local and national transport plans to assure they best serve the needs of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.