Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1051. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed light rail system for Cork; the estimated cost of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6741/20]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1052. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if introducing light rail or tram systems in cities other than Dublin has been examined by his Department; if so, if a summary of this information including the estimated costs will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6742/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1051 and 1052 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, while in relation to light rail specifically, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) also has a statutory role in delivery of the infrastructure in line with the plans developed by the NTA.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that transport strategies have been developed, or are being developed, for each of the major cities. As part of the development of those strategies all potentially relevant transport options are considered. Strategies have been developed and published in relation to Dublin, Galway and most recently Cork and all details regarding those strategies are available to view on the website of the NTA. I can inform the Deputy that for each of those strategies light rail was considered during their respective development and details in relation to that consideration is available on the website and within the relevant strategies.

Transport strategies will be developed by the NTA, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, for both Limerick and Waterford and work has already commenced in relation to Limerick and will hopefully commence by end Q2 in relation to Waterford.

Specifically in relation to the current status of the light rail system for Cork as contained within its Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.