Shay Brennan presses for Metro upgrade to Sandiford
Shay Brennan asked whether and when the full Metro upgrade southwards to Sandiford will proceed, stressing the Lewis Green Line and Metrolink tunnelling provisions support the upgrade. He argued the upgrade is necessary for long-term capacity and would yield significant cost savings if coordinated with Metrolink works; the minister said a deeper examination is needed and promised to come back.
Question raised
Shay Brennan asked officials to confirm plans and timing for upgrading the line between St Stephen's Green and Sandiford to full Metro standard, linking the need to long-term capacity demands and cost efficiencies.
Design and existing provisions
He noted the Lewis Green Line was originally designed to allow a future upgrade to Metro standard and pointed out that Metrolink tunnelling provisions are already in place to Charlamont, arguing this supports proceeding southwards to Sandiford.
Minister's response
The minister acknowledged the point, referenced previous work by Brennan's father, and said the Metro design and remaining work are substantial. The minister indicated the project would likely require large amounts of National Development Plan funding and committed to a deeper examination before providing a firm answer.
Next steps and implications
No timetable or decision was announced; the minister committed to review the funding and design implications and to report back. The exchange highlighted questions about sequencing Metrolink and Metro works and the potential capacity and cost benefits of coordinating the projects.
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Given the Lewis Green Line between St Stephen's Green and Sandiford was originally designed to allow for a future upgrade to Metro standard, and with Metrolink tunnelling provisions already in place to Charlamont, can you confirm if and when it is planned to proceed with the full Metro upgrade southwards to Sandiford, considering its long-term necessity for capacity demands and in particular the significant cost-saving advantages of doing this at the same time as the Metrolink work? Deputy Brennan, you are revisiting the great work your dad did, I think. He knew no one to bring the Metro to Sandiford, he having done the initial work. Fair play, but I think again it is that design and a lot of work on the Metro yet, it will probably take up huge amounts of the National Development Plan funding, and so I will have to do a deeper examination of that and come back to you on it. But I hear you.
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