Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her comments. There has been no Government decision to defer MetroLink. It is the intention of the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, that construction would commence in the lifetime of the Government, noting the requirements of planning permission and the necessary Government approval. As I said earlier, I understand an extensive body of work remains to finalise preliminary design, completing the required environmental impact assessment reports and closing out property referencing issues before the railway order application will be ready for submission to An Bord Pleanála.

Aspects of this work were impacted by Covid-19 restrictions earlier in the year. I understand it is now likely to be quarter 1 of 2022 before the railway order application will be ready with submissions to An Bord Pleanála expected shortly thereafter. At the moment, the issues relating to finalising the application are separate from the review of the preliminary business case as is required under relevant legislation and the public spending code. However, Government approval is required to allow the application be submitted to An Bord Pleanála. On the basis of the current timeline it would appear likely that Government will consider the matter well in advance of the railway order application being ready for submission. Again, I thank the Senator for the opportunity to address the House on this matter and for her ongoing interest in and support of MetroLink. I will communicate to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, the urgency the Senator apportions to this issue.