Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 to 275, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy may be aware,the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, which the National Transport Authority will implement in consultation with Iarnród Éireann,targets a 10-minute all-day frequency on electrified rail services running from Mallow to Midleton and Cobh. Phase 1 of the programmewill be part-funded through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and is scheduled for completion by 2026. Funding of €164 million is allocated to Phase 1 of the programme through the National Recovery & Resilience Plan (NRRP), as agreed by the EU Commission.

In line with the development of adjacent areas and wider improvements on the rail network, a number of new stations are planned as part of the overall Cork Commuter Rail Programme, taking in both Phase 1 to the end of 2026 and Phase 2 thereafter. As the Deputy may also be aware, under the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy(CMATS), the National Transport Authority have proposed a number of new rail stations in the Cork area.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in both CMATS and the delivery of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme (in co-operation with Iarnród Éireann), I have referred the Deputy's questions to it for a more detailed reply on the specific matters raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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277. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a breakdown by year of the stages of the proposed MetroLink project, including the planning, procurement and construction phases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37621/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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A detailed delivery timeline for MetroLink has not yet been finalised as the project has only just received Decision Gate 1 Approval under the Public Spending Code. The timeline below shows the expected key dates of the process, but some of these will be dependent on the planning process.

- September 2022 – Submission of Railway Order application

- 2023 – Decision by Government at Decision Gate 2 of the Public Spending Code

- 2025 – Award of contracts

A detailed design, planning, and procurement strategy will be prepared for Decision Gate 2 in line with the Public Spending Code. Following Decision Gate 3 and an enforceable Railway Order, the winning tenders will be awarded to enable construction to begin by the end of 2025.

The above dates are dependent upon the timing and outcome of the planning process, and whether or not any judicial or other legal proceeding are commenced in relation to that planning process.

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 which includes, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, MetroLink.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply to the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.