Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the delivery of MetroLink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20360/23]

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

As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Government granted Decision Gate 1 approval under the Public Spending Code to the project. This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and on 30 September Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16 January 2023 and TII is preparing responses to submissions received.

TII is also in the process of appointing a Client Partner to support the efficient and effective delivery of the project. It is currently anticipated that the Client Partner will be appointed in the coming months to provide the adequate number of resources and support across all phases of the project to ensure the successful delivery of MetroLink. This appointment will be a significant development in the process of progressing MetroLink through the Decision Gate process and toward delivery, subject to approval and funding.

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, in conjunction with TII, MetroLink.

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