Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the stalled metro north project; his plans for this project in the build up tho the next capital investment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38488/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) such as metro, light and heavy rail projects.

Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer Metro North and a number of other major projects, including  DART Underground, due to the financial situation. It was made clear at the time that these projects would be reviewed again in preparation for the next capital plan post-2016.  The priorities under the current capital plan are to protect investment made to date, to maintain safety standards and to progress affordable projects such as Luas Cross City which add value to the existing network.

The NTA is currently undertaking a technical consultancy (Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study) to assess the long-term rail transport requirements of the North Dublin/Fingal corridor, extending from Finglas to Malahide and including Dublin Airport and Swords.  This review is examining existing proposals including Metro North as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area's needs in the long term. I expect to receive a report from the NTA on the outcome of the review by early 2015.

I also expect at that time to receive the updated DART Underground business case and the preliminary business case for the Swords/Airport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme from the NTA.

I will then consider the options for addressing key public transport deficits in the GDA having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and  to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise  this review  by mid-2015.

Significant Exchequer resources will be required to advance any major project irrespective of the availability of private or EU funds. New projects cannot be funded within the existing level of resources available to my Department. The key priority over the coming years is to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds are available, which is not certain, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.  I will prioritise any additional funds for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure.