Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Hear, hear. I agree with the Deputy's closing statement which we should all welcome on this side of the House. When State companies go walkabout, sometimes it is not particularly good for the general public. Representatives of State companies who engage in such behaviour are usurping the positions of politicians. I welcome what the Deputy has said and wish I had said it, but I am happy to agree with it.

The Deputy is absolutely correct when he says the proposed metro north project integrates well with spatial policies. I think that is the intention for the future of the project which integrates well with the existing and proposed public transport network of Dublin city. The National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have commenced preparatory work on the planning and design of the new metro north project. A dedicated project steering group has been established. If additional funding becomes available in the next few years - I am not saying whether it will - the preparatory work being done will position us to make progress with the project in line with the available funding. I am trying to hold out some hope without making promises. The Government is committed to providing a metro link on the corridor from the city centre to the airport and Swords. This is clearly set out in the programme for Government and funding has been allocated for the preliminary planning and design of the project. It is envisaged that construction will start during the lifetime of the current capital plan, with the metro to become operational by 2026 or 2027. Metro north will be a vital piece of national infrastructure. It will respond to the needs of the emerging economy in the medium term and cater for the longer term public transport needs of this strategically important transport corridor.

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