Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with officials of the Department of Finance regarding the Metro North project; when he expects the hearings of An Bord Pleanála to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45947/09]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 54: To ask the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made between the two final bidders (details supplied) for Metro North; if he will make available a revised indicative timetable for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45866/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 54 together.

The National Transport Authority or NTA was formally established on the 1st of December 2009. The functions of the Authority, pursuant to section 11 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, include securing the provision of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. Statutory responsibility for securing the delivery of infrastructure projects, such as Metro North, is now a matter for the NTA.

As is the case with the National Roads Authority, the NTA has appointed an Oireachtas Liaison Officer to respond to questions raised by Deputies. The Oireachtas Liaison Officer is Matt Benville and he may be contacted at 6041098 or at The National Transport Authority, 59 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

My Department has had regular contact during the course of the year with the Department of Finance in relation to Metro North. As confirmed in the Renewed Programme for Government, Metro North remains a priority in the transport investment programme.