Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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21. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the works taking place in relation to Metrolink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48151/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware earlier this year  the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) held a public consultation in relation to what is known as the 'Preferred Route'. It followed last year's consultation on then then 'Emerging Preferred Route'. I understand that the NTA and TII are preparing a report of the submissions received during this year's consultation.

As you can appreciate an infrastructure project of this size requires extensive preparatory and exploratory work so, in addition to the extensive consultations held, I understand there has been an ongoing programme of works around the city related to issues such as geotechnical surveys etc.  

That programme of works will inform the development of the required environmental reports and also of course the development of the project's business case. As required under the Public Spending Code a business case will be developed by TII as the sponsoring agency. 

The Public Spending Code requires all projects with projected expenditure in excess of €100million to be submitted to Government for its approval at the appropriate decision gates and I expect therefore to receive a business case in relation to this project next year. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will ensure appropriate and rigorous analysis of the business case as one would expect for a project of this scale involving a significant investment of taxpayer funds.