The locations of up to 21 metro stops on Dublin's proposed Metro West route are to be revealed by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) today.
Two main route options for the public transport alternative to the M50, as it is described, will link the proposed Metro North line south of Dublin airport, with Tallaght town centre.
The identification of proposed stops takes place as part of the public consultation process for the surface-level metro project which is to be completed by 2014.
On the first or "inner" route option, the stops include Silloge, just south of Dublin airport. Travelling anti-clockwise the remaining proposed stations are Meakstown; Huntstown; Cappoge; Abbotstown; the National Aquatic Centre at Blanchardstown; Blanchardstown Shopping Centre; Millennium Park; Porterstown; a possible stop at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre; Liffey Valley; Rowlagh; Fonthill; Clondalkin or a possible stop at Clondalkin west; St Bridgid's; Newlands; Belgard, Colbert's Fort and Tallaght east.
While up to 19 stops are included, not all are to be built in the first phase according to the RPA. Stops identified as second phase are those at Silloge; Meakstown; Cappoge, Newlands and Colbert's Fort. The stop at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre is being proposed in addition to Liffey Valley, but at Clondalkin the final route will include just one stop, either in Clondalkin village or outside it at Clondalkin west.
Route two or the "outer" orbital option envisages up to 21 stops. These are Silloge - on a more northerly site closer to Dublin airport; Harristown; Huntstown; Cappoge; Abbotstown; Ballycoolin; Blanchardstown Institute of Technology; Blanchardstown (Whitestown); Millennium Park; Porterstown; Lucan (Willsbrook); Ballyowen; Kishoge; Grange Castle; Priest Town; Cheeverstown; Cookstown; Tallaght hospital and Tallaght.
Metro stops at Silloge, Meakstown, and Cappoge are again earmarked for phase two as is Priest Town. The RPA has not indicated when phase two is to take place although it is expected it will depend on development in the area. Both route options would interchange with Iarnród Éireann's Maynooth and Kildare commuter lines and regional lines at Porterstown and either Fonthill or Kishoge, respectively.
Metro West will ultimately be between 24 and 28km (17 miles) long and construction is expected to take up to five years.
The RPA has refused to say how much the route will cost, citing commercial sensitivity about the project which is to be built as a public private partnership. However, the surface-level route is not expected to be as costly as an underground metro.
Issues which may be contentious are the possible route of the tram through Clondalkin village where some buildings may be demolished and the Liffey Valley Shopping centre which represents a small detour.
The plans will go on display at the Great Southern Hotel, Dublin airport today from 11am to 8pm. Other public displays will be held at Fingal County Council offices at Blanchardstown on Wednesday; the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley on Friday and South Dublin County Council offices on Monday, January 22nd.
