Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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347. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans with regard to the proposed connection that would allow metro north and the Luas green line south of St. Stephen's Green to run as an uninterrupted line from Estuary to Cherrywood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44986/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades.  

The strategy includes a number of proposals to further develop the light rail and metro network in the GDA. This includes the new Metro North project and an upgrading of the Luas Green line to metro standard through the extension of new Metro North southwards, via a tunnel, to join the Green line.

Funding of over €700 million has been allocated under the Government's Capital Plan for planning, design and to begin construction of new Metro North. Funding in the initial years of the Capital Plan is for planning and design work with construction to commence in 2021 and passenger services starting in 2027. The NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have commenced preparatory work on the planning and design of new Metro North and a dedicated project Steering Group has been established which is meeting on a regular basis. The NTA, in collaboration with TII, is undertaking an option analysis and selection study of possible metro alignments and station locations. Arising from this work a final route and station configuration will be established. It is my understanding that the NTA and TII expect that this process will be complete by the end of 2017, after which a public consultation process will be undertaken in 2018.

The 10-year National Investment Plan to be published in the coming months will include the funding for the period to complete the new Metro North project. The metro extension southwards will be considered in the context of future investment plans, including the forthcoming 10 year Capital Plan.