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Metrolink: How did we get here and what's next?

The NTA is due to publish a preferred route in March.

Metrolink. Metrolink.ie Metrolink.ie

WITH THE SOUTHSIDE section of the Dublin Metrolink project set to abandoned by the National Transport Authority (NTA), plans for the city’s underground rail have been thrown open. 

The mostly underground route, which is due to connect Dublin Airport to the city centre by rail and beyond to Sandyford for the first time, will still run from Swords to the city centre but it’s now likely to stop north of Ranelagh at Charlemont

That’s because the NTA’s preferred route involved disrupting the Luas Green Line for up to four years, it was reported yesterday. 

The line was due to open in 2027 and was originally expected to run from Swords on Dublin’s northside to Sandyford on the southside with the construction of a new underground track from Swords to Charlemont while an upgraded section of the Luas Green Line would remain overground. 

The latest change – abandoning the southside section – is set to be announced next month by the NTA when a new route option will be published. 

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday evening, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, refused to confirm whether the southside part of the project will be abandoned but said that he “wouldn’t tolerate” continued disruption to the Luas Green Line.  

Following the latest development, politicians have called for alternatives to the much-vaunted project to be examined. So, here’s a recap of how we got here and what’s likely to happen next. 

‘Berlin Wall’

Plans for a Metro in Dublin have been floating around for some time; plans were halted in 2011 due to the economic downturn. In March last year, a new plan was published for the MetroLink, which would see a route run between Swords and Sandyford.

That plan, however, received a significant amount of criticism, primarily from a group of southside residents in Ranelagh in Dublin 6.

Last July, Peter Nash, a member of the Rethink MetroLink Dublin South City group, told an Oireachtas committee that the proposed MetroLink was akin to the opening of a “Checkpoint Charlie” on the Berlin Wall. 

The argument centred around the closure of a through-road from Dunville Avenue to Beechwood Road.

Outlining the group’s concerns to the transport committee, Nash said transformation of the current Luas line to a segregated high-speed over-ground Metrolink southwards from Charlemont has “significant adverse social, environmental and commercial consequences for the adjacent neighbourhoods”. 

Nash said a segregated high-speed over-ground rail, in effect, creates a clear physical partition within communities.

Cowper Luas Stop. Cowper Luas Station on Dublin's southside GoogleMaps GoogleMaps

There were also concerns on Dublin’s northside following the project’s relaunch. 

The current plans also saw proposals to establish a tunnel boring machine launch site  which will share its perimeter with Scoil Mobhí in Glasnevin. The school shares its site with Na Fianna GLG, Scoil Chaitríona, and playschool Tír na nOg.

Representatives of the schools and clubs appeared before an Oireachtas committee last April to raise concerns about the planned site. 

However, speaking at an Oireachtas committee last June, the NTA’s deputy CEO Hugh Creegan said that an alternative design was being considered.

Over the subsequent months, the NTA came under pressure from local politicians, including Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy whose constituency is Ranelagh-Rathmines, to change the route. 

One solution to the Dunville Avenue/Beechwood Road issue involved either constructing a rail bridge over the road or a ‘cut and cover’ plan which would see the Metro travel underground which would add €25 to €35 million to the project’s €3 billion budget. 

It’s understood that plans to extend this option were drawn up, after proposals were rejected locally, which would cost an additional €100 million. 

MetroLink Route Map Final for Web RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

However, that plan would cause the Luas Green Line to be disconnected and be disrupted for two to four years, it has been reported. 

A spokesperson for Minister for Transport Shane Ross TD has confirmed that Ross met with the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland for “crisis talks” this week and warned that bringing the Luas Green Line to a standstill for a significant period would be “unacceptable”. 

“These proposals emerged following last year’s extensive public consultations, to specifically cater for the concerns of Ranelagh residents,” the spokesperson added. “Regrettably, this section of the development was heavily politicised by local representatives.”

‘Ill-considered plan’

In the latest controversy, local representatives have taken the opportunity to hammer home local concerns. 

Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the proposed scrapping of the southside route, describing it as “a matter that has deeply frustrated those living in the areas most impacted”. 

“The fact that this ill-considered plan could be taken off the table means that there may be a welcome opportunity to draw up a better, more environmentally friendly MetroLink plan for South Dublin and this time, in proper consultation with the public”.

Meanwhile, Noel Rock TD has called for the route to proceed in two parts and to not allow Northsiders be “shafted” by a “southside squabble”.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan TD called on Ross not to abandon the southside section of the Metrolink but to “look at alternatives”. 

From Charlemont station, Ryan has said that the Metro should either continue South West to Terenure, Rathfarnham and Tallaght or South East to UCD and Sandyford.

“Come what may there should be no delay in the northside section of the line,” Ryan has said. “While that is advanced through the planning process we can work out the optimal southside route.”

For now, the NTA is not being drawn on recent reports, though it’s not denying them either. 

A revised route for the Metrolink is due to be published in the coming weeks, an NTA spokesperson confirmed. “Those amended plans will be subject to a further round of public consultation.”

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38 Comments
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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute FoxyBoiiYT
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:36 AM

    That’s terrible, honestly not being sarcastic. These facilities are great for sports

    392
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    Mute Temp Stuff
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:29 AM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: Hope they paid the insurance!

    43
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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:22 PM

    @Luke Littler: Such a clown comment. Sure make some more stuff up in your head there and blurt it out lad.

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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:14 PM

    @Luke Littler: it was built perfectly. It should have been deflated before the storm. Like your head. Major questions will need to be answered.

    45
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:54 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: It didn’t stand a chance.

    9
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:55 PM

    @Barry Lehane: Maybe they didn’t hear about the coming storm.

    11
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    Mute Barry Lehane
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:06 PM

    @Patrick MC Dermott: couldn’t blame em sure they still on dial-up internet up there !

    7
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    Mute brendan C5
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:27 PM

    @Temp Stuff: and if they did, what will the renewal quote be. I’d say that place is finished if the insurance goes up dramatically. It was amazing to look at from the inside on how it was constructed.

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    Mute Jp Cleary
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    Jan 24th 2025, 9:20 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: Fear not…. Government will dip into taxpayers money for a quick grant.

    6
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    Mute Mairead O Connor
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:38 AM

    The Dome can be rebuilt.
    No lives were lost…

    202
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    Mute Jason Walsh
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:38 AM

    Surely they had to know what wind it could handle and do something about it the last few days. Fully destroyed now and they’ll probably pop up the exact same thing again only to be destroyed a few years later.

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    Mute Ger Murphy
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:40 AM

    @Jason Walsh: there’s always an expert…

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    Mute Alan OConnor
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:40 AM

    @Ger Murphy: and Jason isn’t it.

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    Mute he didnt take the 120k because he already got it split over 3 years
    Favourite he didnt take the 120k because he already got it split over 3 years
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:10 AM

    @Jason Walsh: ye they should have gone down the shops and got some windbreakers we use at the beach that would have saved it

    22
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    Mute John
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:18 AM

    @Ger Murphy: it’s a fair point he’s making. When you pay over 3m to build a complex you’d expect to know what kind of weather conditions it can withstand

    69
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    Mute Alan Kennedy
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:22 AM

    @Jason Walsh: It’s not Kansas Doherty!

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    Mute Éamonn O'Kane
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:36 PM

    @Jason Walsh: winds at speed never recorded in Ireland before.

    14
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    Mute Tom O' Donnell
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:40 PM

    @Éamonn O’Kane: Unprecedented by 1km/h. So we’ve had similar winds previously

    15
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    Mute John
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:57 PM

    @Éamonn O’Kane: 1km/h more than previous records. Buildings are usually designed to withstand a much higher exposure to various conditions then possible or likely.

    14
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:57 PM

    @Ger Murphy: He’s not wrong. Questions will be asked by insurers as to what steps were taken to minimise the damage

    18
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    Mute Jason Walsh
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:01 PM

    @Alan OConnor: More expert then you buddy I’d say, I’ve experience in structural design and wind loading is always factored by 30-40%. That’s equivalent to 140-160kph winds for an inexperienced person as yourself.

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    Mute Vincent B
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    Jan 24th 2025, 5:19 PM

    @Jason Walsh: sure what could they do. It’s 150m x 100m Throw a few ropes over it and secure with some wooden stakes. The initial design should have been constructed with these storms in mind. But I’m no expert

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    Mute den
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:37 AM

    Another excuse not to win Sam again this year!! Jeez

    69
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    Mute danny larkin
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:07 PM

    @den: Connacht GAA don’t normally play in the All Ireland so doubt they’ll ever win Sam

    35
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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:24 PM

    @Harry Paisley: I’m not sure you realise Connaught isn’t in the championship. It’s a region and not a county. Connaught has never and will never be in the all Ireland.

    18
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    Mute Mark R
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:41 AM

    These type of domes are supposed to be a ‘Temporary Structure’. Did the sales man tell them. otherwise?

    63
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    Mute Jack Dermody
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:46 AM

    @Mark R: we have Domes for decades in Ireland. It will be insured and will be back up in 6-9 months eat

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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:25 PM

    @Mark R: another expert. Lol

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    Mute John Brown
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:38 AM

    Awful for the community…but seriously..tents in Ireland ?

    54
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    Mute Willie Marty
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:00 PM

    @John Brown: what about the lads in the tents down by the canal.

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    Mute Leon
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:52 AM

    That’s a big let down

    35
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    Mute Seán O'Sullivan
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:46 AM

    How would checking it more often have prevented it collapsing ? Did they forget to add a ratchet strap and say that’s not going anywhere or something

    33
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    Mute John K
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:36 AM

    @Seán O’Sullivan: they did say “that’s not going anywhere” but apparently they forgot to tug on the ratchet strap before saying it, a simple but crucial step of securing any load or vulnerable structure? Lessons will be learned.

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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:26 PM

    @Seán O’Sullivan: Oh another expert, even have the lingo of ratchet straps. Amazing you aren’t running the world with your expert knowledge lad.

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    Mute John Staunton
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:32 PM

    @Tony: Tony doesn’t get jokes…

    17
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    Mute niall Dorr
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:25 PM

    They knew it was coming. Why not deflate it? And prepare?

    17
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    Mute Victor Carrera
    Favourite Victor Carrera
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:35 PM

    Credit: fireengineering.com
    The International Building Code, Chapter 31, Special Construction,1 requires these air-supported structures to withstand a wind load of 90mph/144kph for a three-second gust. The record was broken last night at 183kph. When the positive pressure from wind exceeds the internal pressure of the structure, the structure will begin to dimple on the windward side. This dimple may come in close contact with items within the structure, such as hanging lights or boards surrounding an ice rink, causing a puncture. When there is a strong wind weather advisory, the onsite engineer should increase the structure’s internal pressure.

    16
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    Mute Ronan Mc
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:37 AM

    Any pics?

    16
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    Mute P. V. Aglue
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:45 AM

    It cost 3 million to build, it should only cost a couple of hundred to repair.

    14
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    Mute Leon
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:54 AM

    @P. V. Aglue: I don’t know about that, what with inflation

    77
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    Mute J Bro
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    Jan 24th 2025, 11:53 AM

    @Leon: comment of the day

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    Mute Steve Bradshaw
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:57 PM

    @Leon: it needs inflation to stay up….

    4
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    Mute Shimo F
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    Jan 24th 2025, 10:47 AM

    Well isn’t that wat insurance is for.

    11
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    Mute Kathleen Murphy
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:22 PM

    They know they will not be insured for new building / construction unless it meets required specifications.

    10
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    Mute Tony
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:28 PM

    @Kathleen Murphy: Thanks for your expert advice. Amazing how many experts there are on the journal comments. I’m surprised you have the time

    9
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    Mute Patrick MC Dermott
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:59 PM

    @Tony: You haven’t offered any constructive comments other than criticizing others. You’re quite an expert

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    Mute DJ D
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:23 PM

    @Tony: troll,,,alert!!!

    1
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    Mute Eugene Comaskey
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:25 PM

    It is a real pity to see it destroyed . Was it a crazy thing to build in the first place ??. It seems that a tremendous amount of money was spent on it . Surely someone thought about deflating it yesterday ?.

    11
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    Mute Victor Carrera
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:00 PM

    @Eugene Comaskey:
    It is not a quick or simple procedure. Normally only the supplier has the skills, not the local maintenance staff. If no backup power available for fans to maintain or increase pressure it may have dimpled and been damaged by internal structure such as goal post and then collapsed.

    6
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    Mute Patrick Newell
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    Jan 24th 2025, 2:32 PM

    And yet the dail is still standing……life aint fair at all

    9
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    Mute Annette Cooke
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:47 PM

    Hope it’s gets fixed quickly for the locals. I also hope it will be stronger and better.

    8
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    Mute Jack
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:04 PM

    Well I guess he meant the dome is completely destroyed, as the wider campus is fine, or nothing an aftermath clean up won’t sort.
    Questions should be asked why they chose a structure of its type ? there was kind of an inevitability about this situation.

    7
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    Mute Ádhamh Ó Nuanáin
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:12 PM

    Will the architects/engineers be sued or will the tax payer need to foot the bill?

    6
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    Mute Darren Forde
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    Jan 24th 2025, 6:40 PM

    GAA awash with money id not worry to much

    6
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    Mute bernadette connaughton
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    Jan 24th 2025, 1:48 PM

    But sure of course it got destroyed a breeze would blow that thing away!!!

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 24th 2025, 8:23 PM

    It is not as bad as it looks, all the groundwork is fine and the pitch is more or less intact. The need a new done section installed.
    In Longford you can clearly see that the wall was badly designed and made!

    3
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    Mute Kevin O Brien
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    Jan 24th 2025, 3:25 PM

    Mayo never going to win Sam now

    3
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    Mute Brian Smith
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    Jan 24th 2025, 4:41 PM

    THE GAA SHOULD GET IN CONTACT WITH THEIR PATRON NAMELY THE ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL FOR MONEY TO REPLACE THIS DOME.IT WILL SAVE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN PAYING OUT MONIES AS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS AN INTEREST IN THE GAA.

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    Mute Desmond Lyons
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    Jan 24th 2025, 12:49 PM

    My yurt is just fine this morning!

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    Mute William O leary
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    Jan 24th 2025, 8:28 PM

    who paid for it in the first place ..another gaa farce

    2
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