Government policy poses serious threat to Dublin North communities – O’Brien

Dublin North Fianna Fáil Senator Darragh O’Brien has said the Government policies are posing a significant threat to communities in North Dublin following the decision to scrap the Metro North project and at the same time proceed with the construction of a massive sewerage treatment plant. 

“I am extremely concerned about the agenda being pursued by the Government at the moment which has rowed back on the significant job creation project that is Metro North and simultaneously push to have Fingal be the sewerage treatment hub for the entire east coast.  This is totally unacceptable and has the potential to significantly impact on the local economy and community environment. 

“Since 2006 when Fingal County Council attempted to impose this plant on the people of Donabate & Portrane I have campaigned vigorously against it.  To date we have been successful thanks to the support of the communities involved.  However the prospect of this project going ahead at a cost of €2.7bn is now back on the agenda for the new Government. 

“Metro North would create 6,000 construction jobs and open up and economic corridor from North County Dublin through to the city centre with the prospect of up to 37,000 jobs being created as a result.  The economic benefits for North Dublin from this project are significant and well tested.  However Fine Gael and Labour, despite their elections promises, have cast this project to one side without a second thought. 

“In contrast 9 sites in North County Dublin have been identified for the building of a massive sewerage plant. They are: 

Newtowncorduff – 2.2KM west of Lusk (43 hectares)

Rathartan – 2KM west of Rush and 3KM to the east of Lusk (41 hectares)

Tyrrelstown Little – 2.8KM north east of Lusk and 3.6KM north west of Rush (114 hectares)

Saucerstown – 3.3KM north west of Swords (36 hectares)

Annsbrook, Baldurgan & Cookstown – All to the east of Ballyboughal (max. 80 hectares)

Cloghran & Clonshaugh – 2 KM from Dublin Airport, 3.3 KM south of Swords (max 40 hectares)

“I am calling on the Environment Minister Phil Hogan to come to Dublin North and meet residents on this issue.  I will facilitate organising a public meeting at the Minister’s convenience and I urge Minister James Reilly to ensure Minister Hogan shows the residents of our communities the courtesy of this public form. 

“I have attended a number of public meetings, Rush, Loughshinney and Ballyboughal, in recent weeks as well as the public protest in Swords with over 500 people in attendance on November 5th.  I will continue to oppose the building of this mass sewerage treatment plant along with my Fianna Fáil colleagues on Fingal County Council and a motion will be brought to the council on this issue. 

“The threat to quality of life, the environment and the very important horticultural and fisheries sector from this plant is unacceptable and must be dealt with.  We can manage the sewerage issues for Dublin and the surrounding counties in a more appropriate way.”