Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered the submission made to him by a group (details supplied) in December 2020 on the terms of reference for the feasibility study on the continuation of the MetroLink to south-west Dublin; his views on the concerns raised by the group about the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8268/21]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet representatives of a group (details supplied) in order to discuss the limitations and flaws in the terms of reference generated by the National Transport Authority, NTA, for the purpose of conducting a feasibility study into whether the MetroLink should continue to south-west Dublin. [8767/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 118 together.

As Minister for Transport, 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 the development of MetroLink.

I can confirm that the Group referred to by the Deputies have met officials on two occasions last year and, as committed to at those meetings, my Department has shared with the NTA the documentation provided by the Group.

As the Deputies will be aware, there is a specific statutory framework to transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area. This statutory framework requires the NTA to develop a twenty year transport strategy and to review that strategy every six years. In line with that statutory framework, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area is currently under review and the first phase of consultation on the initial 'Issues Paper' recently concluded in that regard. I would encourage all interested persons to participate in the review process and I understand another round of public consultation will taker place later in the year.