Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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572. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a decision will be made for a final route of metro north; the timeframe for the process from agreed route and construction; the cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2832/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including MetroLink.

The Deputy is presumably aware that the previously proposed project known as Metro North has been superseded by a different project known as MetroLink and which is included in the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP provides an indicative allocation of €3 billion toward development and construction of MetroLink, which will be a 26km metro service running from Sandyford in South County Dublin to north of Swords in North County Dublin.

The NTA and TII have already published an 'Emerging Preferred Route' for public consultation last year and a further round of public consultation will take place early this year on a 'Preferred Route' before any decision on a Final Route and later submission to An Bord Pleanála, at which stage statutory consultation periods will take place. 

Noting their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your request to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply.  Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.