Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The NTA published its Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 yesterday and there has been much miscommunication about it. The plan clearly states the railway order applications will be made for the Metrolink and the DART+ west next year and the Finglas LUAS in 2023 or 2024. The draft strategy also envisages the roll-out of BusConnects between 2022 and 2024. All of that is welcome, though I would like to see the roll-out of the bus routes a little bit faster. Other elements of the plan represent significant shifts in policy. It is regrettable to see the DART underground pushed out to at least 2042 and the shelving of the LUAS green line being upgraded to metro standard. It is important all stakeholders have the opportunities to analyse and make considered submissions to the strategy. Institutions, industry, residents, local authorities and Members of this House will all want to have, and should have, their say. The NTA is proposing a very short period of consultation. Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to request the NTA extend the consultation period until mid or late January?

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