Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of the public consultation process for MetroLink. [27039/18]

Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the methods used to advertise the public consultation process to those in areas affected by MetroLink. [27040/18]

Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if notices of the public consultation and proposed route were posted directly to residents in the areas most affected by MetroLink. [27041/18]

Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if notification was sent to those living along the route of the impact they will face during the construction phase of MetroLink. [27042/18]

Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if each person that is likely to be affected by a CPO in the building of MetroLink has been directly contacted. [27043/18]

Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the relevant experts which were consulted and ultimately used in the drafting of the current MetroLink proposal; and the way in which and when their input was sought. [27044/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 199, inclusive, together.

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.

Noting their responsibility with regards to this matter, I have referred your queries to TII and NTA for their consideration and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.