Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this important issue and acknowledge the support of Sinn Féin for the metro project. That should not be forgotten with what is happening, which they have addressed today. I join them in expressing sympathy to the family of Deirdre Lambe who passed away.

The MetroLink project is the development of a north-south urban railway service that will run between Swords and Sandyford and connect key destinations along the 26 km route. There will be 25 stations in total, 15 of which will be brand new. A large proportion of the route will be underground, including where it passes under the important city centre area and Dublin Airport. The underground section will terminate close to the Charlemont stop on the Luas green line in the south city area and the metro will then run southwards above ground on the existing Luas green line, which will be upgraded to metro standard as part of the project.

I wish to directly address the issue of Na Fianna as I acknowledge that the controversy has arisen because of the potential difficulties foreseen by it and Home Farm, along with the fears and apprehension of the three potentially affected schools. I also wish to thank Deputy Ellis for his suggestion. I suggest that he submit his points to the ongoing consultation process. There is a temptation for Deputies to make suggestions to me but such suggestions should be made to the National Transport Authority, NTA. However, there is an opportunity to make such suggestions in the House and there is no doubt that the NTA will be aware of what Deputy Ellis has stated in the House as well as his direct submission.

The MetroLink project can bring many benefits. I am confident that the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, through the consultative process that is under way, will find a way of delivering the MetroLink project and maintaining good routes that interchange with other public transport in a way that respects the social, community and sporting life of our city. The NTA has committed to work collaboratively with Na Fianna to address the concerns identified and develop mitigating proposals for discussion within three to four weeks of the consultation deadline. That attitude and willingness to talk and consult and find a better solution if there is one will apply to all other parties concerned. As the Deputies are now aware, the proposed route is not set in stone and it would be wrong if it were.

It is predicted that capacity for 15,000 passengers per direction per hour during the busiest peak times will be required along the corridor I have addressed. MetroLink will have the capacity for 30 trains per hour in each direction and will greatly enhance the public transport offering in Dublin. The creation of about 4,000 jobs during construction is also envisaged, which is significant for the economy in the region. The NTA, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TIl, recently launched the public consultation to which I have referred on the emerging preferred route. It is appropriate that we continue to refer to it as the emerging preferred route. It is a proposal which has been identified as the likely optimal scheme from a technical design perspective but without the benefit of public consultation and input. It is not a finalised and selected scheme. The final layout will only be determined after consideration and evaluation of the issues raised during the consultation process, including the representations made by Deputies McDonald and Ellis.

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