Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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1281. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration being given to extending the Luas to serve western areas of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18761/19]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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1282. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures under way to address the public transport infrastructure deficit for commuters in western areas of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18777/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1281 and 1282 together.

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.

As the Deputy is aware the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 sets out an evaluation of the transport needs of the GDA as a whole, and the capacity required to meet those needs.

Project Ireland 2040 provides funding toward the development of BusConnects, a transformative programme of improvements to both our bus services and infrastructure and West Dublin will benefit from that investment as will the rest of the city. In addition Project Ireland 2040 also details Government's intent to expand the DART network to include both the Maynooth and Kildare lines thereby benefitting residents of West Dublin in terms of improved journey times and service frequency.

Project Ireland 2040, which includes the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027, provides funding to undertake appraisal, planning and design of a possible extension of the LUAS network to West Dublin through a line to Lucan with the NTA’s Strategy.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.