Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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101. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the consultative process with residents and affected stakeholders along the initially proposed MetroLink line in Dublin 7; his views on concerns raised; his plans to recommend an alternative route to the one proposed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25313/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail. Recently the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched a public consultation on the details in relation to the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the MetroLink Project, which extends between Swords and Sandyford.

The Emerging Preferred Route is the proposal which has been identified as the likely optimal scheme from a technical design perspective, without the benefit of public consultation and input. It is not a finalised and selected scheme – the final layout will only be determined after consideration and evaluation of the issues raised during the consultation process.

Following receipt of all of the submissions, the issues and concerns identified will be carefully considered by TII and the NTA in determining the final scheme proposal and a report will be prepared on the consultation process.  It is envisaged that the public consultation report will be published later this year.

I understand the concerns raised by affected stakeholders including residents, local amenities and schools.  I believe there are many benefits the Metro project can bring.  The NTA and TII, through the consultative process they have underway, are working collaboratively to address concerns identified and to develop mitigating proposals.  Their aim is to find a way of delivering the MetroLink project, while maintaining good routes that interchange with other public transport and doing it in such a way that respects the social and community life of our city.