Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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775. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider accelerating the timeframe for the completion of the metro north; if so, when the revised timeframe will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23425/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The Programme for Parnership Government includes a commitment to proceed with the New Metro North project and funding is provided in the Capital Plan "Building on Recovery Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021" to facilitate construction of the link commencing in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027.

The funding constraints that existed when the Capital Plan was being developed, and which continue to exist, mean that we are not in a position to deliver all that is required immediately in terms of infrastructure. The first priority has to be ensuring that we maintain our existing transport infrastructure at what is termed "steady state" levels so that it remains safe and fit for purpose after a significant period of underinvestment during the fiscal and economic crisis. The funding that the Capital Plan is providing for public transport investment will see us reach "steady state" ​funding levels by 2020, and will also allow for investment in some critical transport projects - including commencement of the New Metro North project - to meet growing demand.

​The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have commenced preparatory work on planning and design of New Metro North and a dedicated project Steering Group has been established.  In the event that additional funding becomes available in the next few years, this preparatory work that is currently being done will position us to progress the project in line with available funding.