The Office of Public Works (OPW) has vehemently reasserted its resistance to the proposed MetroLink station at Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, referencing a substantial, lasting, adverse effect on the nation’s heritage according to recent planning paperwork. Despite assurances given during the planning discussions in February by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the governmental body spearheading the €9.5 billion railway line project, the incorporation of the park within the project remained unresolved, indicated the OPW.
The intended MetroLink line spanning 18.8km, starting from Swords to Charlemont, comprising of 16 stops inclusive of the city centre and Dublin Airport is set in motion by TII. The planning request for the project was presented by TII to An Bord Pleanala Pleánala back in September 2022, projecting a 12-18 month planning period.
The board authorised public discussions on the project in August 2023. These hearings officially began on the February 19th this year and wrapped up on its due date of March 28th. However, board inspector Barry O’Donnell made known, two days before the conclusion of the hearing, that the project would need to be re-advertised because of fresh data compiled by the TII.
During the hearing, TII handed over nearly 200 supplementary documents, with 39 appearing on day one. A public review on the extra information resumed in August and concluded earlier this month.
Throughout the February hearings, there were significant disagreements between the OPW and TII, with the former accusing the latter’s scheme of a metro station at St Stephen’s Green was tantamount to a ruin and extermination of the cherished park.
The proposal to eliminate 64 trees in order to provide space for a MetroLink station at the northeastern edge of the park near the Shelbourne Hotel is of particular concern. Additionally, moving monuments within the park is problematic. Declan McGrath, the senior lawyer for TII, refuted claims in a hearing that the MetroLink initiative would result in the destruction of St Stephen’s Green.
Despite airing concerns, the OPW voiced its overall support for the MetroLink initiative in its recent submission of additional information. They also stated they had come to agreement on many topics addressed in prior submissions. However, they remain steadfast in their stance on the use of St. Stephen’s Green.
The OPW emphasised its support for the upgrade of Dublin’s metro facilities, while also asserting that this must not compromise the country’s national heritage. The newly-submitted proposal from TII does not, according to the OPW, adequately respect the site’s historical importance or the surrounding environment.
The OPW underlined that St. Stephen’s Green is both the longest standing and most well-known city public park in Ireland, with vast historical and legal significance. The proposed location for the station would irreversibly and detrimentally impact the heritage of the Green.
The OPW’s submission is one of over 40 that will be vetted by the board’s examiners. Whether a further oral hearing is needed is yet to be decided, commented a board spokesperson.
The closure of the second public consultation is welcomed by TII’s MetroLink programme spokesperson. TII pledged its commitment to continuing collaboration with An Bord Pleanála throughout the forthcoming stages. As a conscientious applicant, TII remains committed to active stakeholder involvement throughout the duration of the scheme.