John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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1868. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his submission regarding the mid term capital review includes plans to advance and progress the LUAS Lucan line project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27989/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades. As the Deputy is aware, the strategy proposes the future development of an east-west Luas line commencing in the residential areas of Lucan and connecting into Dublin City Centre. The Government's current Capital Plan 'Building on Recovery: Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021'. The focus of my Department's submission to the Capital Plan review in relation to public transport is on funding for the bus network as the bus system will be key to tackling congestion in the short to medium term.  As the Deputy will be aware, the NTA recently launched the BusConnectsinitiative which will radically overhaul the bus system so that it represents a modern, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable transport option for users.  This will involve a complete redesign of the bus network and the development of a "next generation" of bus corridors serving all areas of the city.

The development of the east-west luas line from Lucan, while part of the longer-term transport strategy for the GDA, will not be progressed within the lifetime of the current Capital Plan.