Greens welcome today's Sandymount judgment

The Green Party are welcoming today's Appeals Court judgement in favour of Dublin City Council in regards to the planned sustainable transport infrastructure commonly known as the Strand Road cycle lane.

This is a significant moment in protecting the advancement of sustainable transport and being ambitious to tackle climate change with our public spending. 

Councillor Hazel Chu, Councillor for the area (Pembroke) and Green Party Spokesperson for Public Expenditure said: 

“This case has had a chilling effect on active travel and sustainable transport across the city. In the face of our climate emergency, there is no time to lose. With this judgment today, it is imperative that Dublin City Council get back on track in building a sustainable and climate resilient city. 

Dublin City Council have shown a willingness to embrace change in transport, but this needs support from central government. We need to see the money being provided for public infrastructure projects; we need to see the climate ambition. Bus Connects, Metrolink, Dart+ , Light rail for Cork, for Galway, investment in our train network around the country. These are project that must happen, and the government needs to make them happen.”

Councillor Feljin Jose, Green Party Spokesperson For Transport said:

“We're all frustrated with the incredibly slow progress on infrastructure projects in Ireland in recent years. 

This case challenged the very basic functions of local authorities and their powers to carry out minor works. If the court had not ruled in Dublin City Council’s favour, it had the potential to significantly delay and increase the costs of a lot of infrastructure projects."