Tunnelling in Dublin for the new rail service MetroLink must use an alternative site, according to Fine Gael TD Noel Rock.

Speaking at a special meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport to discuss the MetroLink proposal, Deputy Rock said: "It is clear now that the tunnelling simply cannot take place where proposed. The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are now on notice in this regard."

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Na Fianna CLG, Home Farm FC, Scoil Mobhí, Scoil Chaitríona and Prospect Architectural Conservation Area were all in attendance at the meeting.

Deputy Rock reaffirmed his favour for the MetroLink, but enforced that the tunnel site must be located elsewhere.

"Today's meeting was constructive and served a purpose. In the Oireachtas we are often accused of being reactive rather than proactive. I am ensuring, by holding meetings like this, that we are changing that."

A change is expected soon after the end of the public consultation on May 11.

(CM/MH)