Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

These are three main projects for the Dublin area and they are vital. I am glad to hear the Minister is looking at one of them but I hope over a short period we could deliver them all. Metro north, for example, was to be a public private partnership, PPP. Sinn Féin would prefer to see the State funding these projects but if that is not possible, a PPP is an option. I have attended more meetings about metro north than any other issue. Does the Minister intend to replace Transport 21? Will that be part of the review? Can I get a commitment that the State will fund whichever one of the projects is chosen?

During the election, the Minister indicated he favoured proceeding with metro north, although there were mixed messages from other Deputies. It is vital infrastructure to allow for access to our main airport and would create huge employment, with about 4,000 people working on the project and ancillary employment along the route. This is a vital project. Perhaps the Minister will give an indication which project stands the greatest chance at present. This is important and should be funded by the State.

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