Ms Anne Graham:

I thank the Chairman and the members of the committee for the invitation to attend. I understand that the committee wishes to focus on the current situation pertaining to BusConnects and MetroLink. To assist me in dealing with members’ subsequent questions, I am joined by Hugh Creegan, deputy CEO of the authority.

MetroLink, BusConnects and DART expansion are three major transport infrastructure projects included in Project Ireland 2040. Together, they will enable the development of reliable, sustainable, affordable and integrated public transport that will support the economy, help Ireland to meet its climate change targets and make Dublin a better place in which to live, work and shop and to visit.

The public consultation process on the emerging preferred route was held between March and May in 2018. Both TII and the NTA have reflected on the views expressed and responded in the design of the preferred route which was published yesterday. We believe the preferred route proposed addresses many of the concerns expressed and will deliver a better project. Among the most significant changes is the proposal that the construction of MetroLink in the St. Mobhi Road area will no longer require the acquisition of the playing fields of the Na Fianna GAA Club. In consultation with Home Farm Football Club, we now propose to construct a more compact station under its pitch. The pitch will be unavailable during the estimated three-year construction process but will be fully restored afterwards.

There will be an improvement for domestic and international travel connections provided by access to and from Dublin Airport and through the national rail and road network. There will be decreased road traffic congestion on journeys to and from the airport and crossing the city from north to south. MetroLink will include a park and ride for more than 3,000 vehicles at Estuary Swords. There will be faster journey times with high frequency and high reliability by MetroLink between Swords, the airport and the city centre. There will be more integrated and improved quality of interchanges with Luas, DART, rail and bus transport hubs across the city, with more direct journey opportunities.

MetroLink can enhance social inclusion by providing new links from urban areas of Dublin to jobs and services in the city and across the suburbs. The project will support both the regeneration of existing areas and the development of new areas. It will generate employment during construction and operation and will support economic growth once operational. The metro system will support the environment by promoting a modal shift from car to public transport. That will help reduce emissions and energy consumption in addition to improving air quality and reducing road congestion.