Workers’ Party Dublin Mid West candidate Lorraine Hennessy has condemned the statement by Councillor William Lavelle, Fine Gael, in calling for North Clondalkin and Ballyfermot to be dropped from the provision of the new Luas line. The National Transport Authority has published the Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 – 2035 which envisages a new Luas line from Lucan to the City Centre serving North Clondalkin and Ballyfermot also.
She said, “This is blatant and shameful discrimination against an already hugely disadvantaged area but what is most disturbing is that Councillor Lavelle works for the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald.
Lorraine demanded that Minister Fitzgerald make her position clear. “Is the backing Cllr. Lavelle in his discriminatory views or is she backing a Luas line for North Clondalkin? People here know well how they are treated as second class citizens by high office holders evidenced by the neglect of the area. This is one service we must not lose out on.’
Lorraine Hennessy is calling on all North Clondalkin residents and local organisations to make their voices heard. Submissions can be made to the National Transport Authority demanding the area get a Luas connection. Lorraine points out, ‘It is vital that the opportunity for people to avail of this high capacity radial transport service to other parts of the city is not missed. Such a service is essential for access to job opportunities and other activities throughout the city. North Clondalkin must not be over-looked in such a far-reaching plan.’
‘The National Transport Authority is inviting written submissions to their draft strategy”, Lorraine advises, and she is urging local people and organisations to state their demand for the area to be connected to this essential transport initiative. Written submissions must include the full name and address of the person making the submission and where relevant the name of the body or organisation represented. The closing date is Friday 13th November 2015 at 5pm. Submissions can be in writing and posted to Transport Strategy Consultation, National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2, D02 WT20. Submissions can also be made by logging on to the National Transport Authority web page, go to Current Consultations and follow guide.