Update on Activities - February 2008
Since we circulated our last Newsletter, just before Christmas, our lobbying of local politicians and the RPA has continued and we would like to update you on a number of developments.
Fund Raising
Many thanks to everyone who contributed through our contribution envelopes. We are very grateful as we are aware that it was an expensive time of year when finances are stretched. But despite this people were very supportive and the donations received went a long way towards covering our outstanding expenses to date.
Residents Charter
We are also very glad to report that following our lobbying of local councillors Dublin City Council passed a motion in support of the establishment of a Residents Charter for all residents affected by the construction and operation of Metro North.
Our draft charter was compiled by McGonagle Solicitors (Dublin 2) and our thanks to them for all of the work done on our behalf.
(Click here to see copy of charter).
We met with the RPA following the submission of the charter and are glad to report the RPA have agreed in principle with the idea of such a charter. We will continue to work towards having such a charter agreed and adhered to. A copy of the charter was also given to DCC on 14/02/08.
Traffic Management
On Thursday February 14th representatives from RfR met with representatives from Dublin City Council to discuss plans for traffic management and general construction issues relating to Metro North. The Chief Engineer from the Dublin Port Tunnel Project, the Director of Traffic, the Area and Deputy Area managers also attended this meeting and were most helpful to the discussions. The meeting was very enlightening and informative. We highlighted the extremely heavy projected number of construction lorries transferring waste materials from the Griffith Avenue station, Drumcondra station and the Ventilation Shaft in the grounds of St Patrick's college. While the final traffic management plans are still being worked on we are please to report that there are no plans to use Ferguson Road as a route for the construction trucks.
During the course of the meeting we also highlighted the subterranean conditions of the Walsh Road / Ferguson Road area - specifically that this area was at one point many years ago used as a public dump. We informed DCC's engineer of the old tip head and the size of the ventilation shaft in St Pats College. DCC have confirmed to RfR that they will act as guardians of the city during this project
New Scoping Document on RPA website Feb 08
Following queries on the above document RfR have been reassured by RPA that all impacts in relation to shafts will be evaluated as part of every environmental topic i.e. noise, vibration, air quality, etc. RfR are pleased to note that following the consultation phase the community's concerns with respect to the potential for human health effects associated with the project have been taken on board and we welcome the appointment of a public health specialist to the EIA team and the fact that the EIS will contain a section specifically focusing on human health.
Selection of Independent Expert
One of our achievements in 2007 was getting the RPA to agree to the appointment of a qualified independent expert to represent resident's interests in the planning and construction of Metro North. We also lobbied for a residents representative to be one of the panel charged with selecting the independent expert.
Three local residents' representatives (one each from IDRA, GADRA and Glengarrif Residents Associations) have now been invited to meet with the RPA to commence the process of selecting the independent expert. This meeting is due to take place on Wednesday February 27. We would like to wish our representatives well and thank them for their time.
RPA Application to An Bord Pleanala / Legal Advice Meeting
The RPA's original intention was to lodge the full planning application for Metro North with An Bord Pleanala sometime in March 2008. We now understand that full designs are not yet ready and the application is somewhat delayed. We continue to await the Griffith Avenue station design which was promised for Jan 2008 and are anxious for consultation on same.
Due to the unavailability of Corpus Christi Parish Hall and the delay in submitting the planning application the committee of RfR feel it is best to defer organising the Legal Advice Public meeting until nearer the lodgment of the planning application. We believe this will be the time when most people will be aware of the specific issues they may need legal advice on. | 
