Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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650. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm media reports that the metro north scheme will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5858/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including new Metro North.

I am advised by the NTA that there is very little scope to accelerate the Metro North project.  At present, it is expected that construction will commence in 2021 with a view to delivery by 2026/2027 and it will not be possible to accelerate that to any significant extent in view of the large volume of work that must be done in terms of planning etc and the timeframes required for consultation before construction can commence.