Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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60. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update as of June 2023 on the development of the MetroLink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30227/23]

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, as well as certain key approvals during the lifecycle of major projects.

In relation to MetroLink a significant milestone in the progression of the project was cleared in July 2022, when the Cabinet granted Decision Gate (DG) 1 approval under the Public Spending Code (PSC) for MetroLink.

This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and on 30 September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16 January 2023.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including MetroLink. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.