Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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95. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of meetings that he has had with the MetroLink team; if he will report of the progress of the MetroLink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30653/22]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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323. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the MetroLink preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30642/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 323 together.

MetroLink is expected to be the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State and faces two important milestones in the coming months, which will determine the progress of the project in the coming years.

Firstly, there is Government’s approval of the Preliminary Business Case, which represents Decision Gate 1 under the Public Spending Code, and I hope to bring the business case to my colleagues in Cabinet by July.

The second impending milestone is the submission of a Railway Order or planning permission application for MetroLink. Work is ongoing on the extensive set of documentation which is required for a project of this scale and, subject to the Government decision mentioned above, the project will be ready to seek planning permission in the Autumn.

My officials receive frequent updates on the status of the project and meet with the National Transport Authority regularly to discuss its progress.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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97. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the urgent expansion of public transport in Galway in view of the recent Environmental Protection Authority report (details supplied) which highlighted that the current rate of implementation of emissions reduction measures will not achieve the change necessary to meet Ireland’s climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30705/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I welcome the publication of the latest EPA inventories. These are a clear indication that we need to double down on implementation of climate action measures and that the transport sector is important to our decarbonisation efforts. Improving sustainable transport infrastructure and services in all our cities, including Galway, is fundamental to reducing reliance on private car journeys and meeting our challenging climate targets.

I think it important to recognise that progress is being made with a number of significant projects currently being advanced in Galway to reduce car dependency and increase the numbers walking, cycling, and using public transport. These projects are enabled by funding under the National Development Plan and guided by the Galway Transport Strategy.

BusConnects Galway comprises a major enhancement to the bus system in the city. The largest part of the programme is the development of bus priority measures inclusive of bus lanes throughout the city. Non-statutory public consultation processes were held in 2020 for two of the five proposed routes – the Dublin Road Scheme and the Cross City Link project. Work has continued on finalising the two schemes and planning permission for the Cross City Link is expected to be sought this year. It is expected that construction will also begin on the Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge this year. The Dublin Road Scheme will enter the planning process next year.

Over the last year, the entirety of the Galway city bus fleet has been replaced with 40 new hybrid double-deck buses that operate in zero tailpipe emission mode when feasible. As well as significantly reducing emissions, these buses have also increased the available capacity on Galway city bus services.

On rail, planning and design is continuing in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt Station and the improvements planned for Oranmore Station and track infrastructure. This project will address short-term capacity constraints and enable rail frequency improvements in the region.

One of my key priorities for public transport is the rollout of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to benefit people living outside our cities and towns. Starting this year, new and improved services will be rolled out on a phased basis across the country, including county Galway.

Progress is also being made on improving active travel infrastructure in Galway. A comprehensive cycle network is planned for the city as part of the Galway Transport Strategy. Key elements of that network are being delivered through the BusConnects programme with a number of other links of the overall network under development. Galway will also benefit from funding under the Safe Routes to School programme, with 11 schools across the city and county receiving funding in round one and additional schools set to enter the programme over the next few years.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Deputy on improving sustainable mobility options in Galway in the coming years, to help meet our climate targets and provide for better local communities.

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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98. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any contact or discussion with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the signing of a S.I. to give effect to changes in the regular wages scheme of CIÉ workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30739/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the Regular Wage Scheme (RWS). These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the Scheme, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties.

There are a number of steps before an SI can be made. In accordance with the provisions of Section 44(3) of the Transport Act 1950, I directed CIÉ to publish a statutory notice of the draft SIs in Iris Oifigiúil, which was advertised on the 14th of January 2022. 45 days were given to allow any person to make objections and representations in relation to the Scheme to me. The consultation period ended on the 28 February 2022 and my Department examined the submissions received.

As required under the Transport Act, consultation with the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the SIs has also taken place. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform recently gave his approval for my confirmation of the SIs. As such, officials in my Department are currently preparing the SIs for my signature which I expect will be completed shortly.