Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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80. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on extending light rail and metro to large population centres such as the Dublin 15 area in view of the pressures on the existing transport infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/19]

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 light rail and metro projects.

The Deputy is aware that public transport infrastructure planning within the Greater Dublin Area has a statutory basis as set out in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (as amended). This Act requires the NTA to prepare a transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which sets out the proposed infrastructure development for a period of up to twenty years and it is also a statutory requirement that relevant land-use strategies in the Greater Dublin Area are consistent with the approved transport strategy.

This is a vitally important link between transport planning and land-use planning and is a key enabler of a plan-led approach toward sustainable development in the Greater Dublin Area.

The current Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area was approved in 2016 and sets out the current infrastructure proposals up until 2035. The Act requires the NTA to review the Strategy every six years and I understand that such a review will commence in the latter half of next year. Any new or additional projects can only be considered within the framework provided by the transport 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.