Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is the third week in a row in which I have raised questions on the metro project. I have addressed them to the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and now the Department of Transport. The reason I have done that is there was significant concern in my community and many others in north Dublin about what was being reported as a strategic delay by Government in the metro project.

Yesterday, we saw in clear terms that not only is the Government committed to the metro project but it is committed to increased funding for it, but there remains a concern. For all of the reasons that Deputy Devlin outlined, the people of Dublin need different transport options. We need public transport options, cycling and active mobility. However, when we announce these projects, we also need to have integrity and credibility and public buy-in that these projects will be delivered in order that when we talk about metro, people believe that it will be delivered.

I accept, and it is well on the record, that the Government has not decided to delay the metro project but it is clear that there are delays. What are those delays and what will the Government do to ensure that they are addressed?

Along with all of the positives that come with this project, there will be negatives. This involves significant construction up Ballymun Road and beyond the M50. The residents living along that stretch will experience significant delays and disruption. We need to be honest with those people about when that will start and when it will conclude.

We need to get to the bottom of the delays in this project. People accept there will be delays with planning, legal issues, etc. What are the delays and what is the Department doing to resolve them?

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