5.2.
Wicklow - Rail Concept 2030

Introduction :

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The population of Wicklow is expanding rapidly. So making minor improvements to the existing single track Railway System designed 150 years ago, is neither cost-efficient, practical, nor the best use of precious land. 

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New Rail Infrastructure necessitates twin track as a minimum. With railway stations located where they are required. At the centre of high density "Community Villages". With highest density residential development located within walking distance of each station. With lower density residential development located in the outer periphery of each station. Park-and-ride provision is an added requirement, for those who find it necessary to drive.

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Unfortunately, the "Integrated Infrastructural Thinking", necessary to achieve the above goal, is absent from Irish Political Debate!. The infamous "Bike Shed" and "Children's Hospital" debacles, are just recent examples of a "System" where political decision-making regarding essential Infrastructure is divorced from any meaningful reality. Bringing the entire body politic into disrepute!

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Funding of the Railway:

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Railway Infrastructure is expensive and "Somebody" has to pay!

Who will complain if this "Somebody" is a new house-purchaser, who has the enormous benefit of living close to a well-operated railway system?

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Current Development problems stem from a lack of "Integrated Thinking" as to how a Community operates and thrives.

 

The whole "Planning & Approvals Process" takes an inordinate time, which adds significantly to Costs. Costs which have to be paid upfront by any "Developer" through private borrowings plus interest. Interest then becomes seriously inflated due to unnecessary delays. All passed on in the form of sky-high house prices.

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​Far better to finance new rail infrastructure with a "Bond or Loan" with payback via a "Railway Levy" added to house purchase price, With the Levy amount tiered to distance from the nearest Railway Station. ​

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