Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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63. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in respect of the Luas Finglas, the reason there is a five-year delay between the Enforceable Railway Order in 2024 and the enabling works starting in 2029; the proposed funding schedule for this project; if he intends to accelerate this schedule in light of the significant budget surplus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25032/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in January 2023, following my approval. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.

Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the funding allocations for public transport projects under the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042.

The Luas Finglas project is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals for development and delivery within 2031-2036 and is part of a number of proposed Luas network extensions for the proposed 2042 Luas network. On this basis, it is not delayed.

The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project will be submitted to my Department by the NTA later this year and will then be brought to Government for its approval in line with the Public Spending Code. This will enable the project to enter the statutory planning process through the submission of a Railway Order Application to An Bord Pleanála. The precise start date for construction of the Finglas project will depend on a number of factors, including a decision in relation to the planning application.