Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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228. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will extend the deadline for submissions for Metrolink beyond the deadline of 25 November 2022, in order to allow residents time to assess the lengthy application. [51342/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 (TII), MetroLink.

The current arrangements for the MetroLink statutory consultation process are aligned with legislative requirements, with submissions to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála. TII and the NTA recognise that some aspects of the Railway Order process are quite technical and have set up a process to assist residents’ groups in interpreting technical designs, drawings, etc. and formulating their responses. Independent experts, RINA, have been appointed to review the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) on behalf of the residents’ groups and assist the residents in preparing their Railway Order submissions. Written submissions on the plans can be made to An Bord Pleanála until 25 November.

Given the statutory nature of this process, and the need to expeditiously advance the MetroLink planning stage, it is not my intention to seek an extension of the public consultation period from An Bord Pleanála.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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229. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to reports that the independent experts RINA appointed by the National Transport Authority to assist resident stakeholders were not furnished with the draft application before the public, so now will not have a report ready for residents until ten days before the closing deadline, therefore not allowing residents time to fully participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51343/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has undertaken a significant amount of work to decide the preferred route for MetroLink and the concerns and considerations of residents along the route have played an important role in this. A public consultation took place from 22 March to 11 May 2018 along the full length of the route and almost 8,000 submissions were received and considered by TII. A further round of public consultation on the route took place between 26 March and 21 May 2019, with over 2,000 submissions received. Following the submission of the Railway Order planning application from TII to An Bord Pleanála on 30 September, written submissions on the plans can also be made to An Bord Pleanála until 25 November.

TII and the National Transport Authority (NTA) recognise that some aspects of the Railway Order process are quite technical and have set up a process to assist residents’ groups in interpreting technical designs, drawings, etc. and formulating their responses. Independent experts, RINA, have been appointed to review the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) on behalf of the residents’ groups and assist the residents in preparing their Railway Order submissions.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area which includes, in conjunction with TII, 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.