Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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444. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if modifications to the design of metro north are being contemplated; if platform lengths are part of such modifications; the future proofing that has been considered in the context of retrofitting; if such changes are being considered; the estimated cost saving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51577/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that at this point the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have only commenced preparatory work on the planning and design of new Metro North and will continue to use the most up-to-date information available on population and employment projections to ensure that the final design and service pattern is correctly calibrated in order to best meet the future transport needs of this rapidly growing region.

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 location 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 on the Emerging Preferred Route (EPR) in early 2018. It is also expected that Preliminary Design will commence in early 2018.

Funding of over €700 million has been allocated under the Government’s present Capital Plan 2016-2021 for planning, design and construction of new Metro North. Funding in the initial years of the Capital Plan is for planning and design work with construction work commencing in 2021 and passenger services starting in 2027.