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 development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including light rail.

I am aware that the National Development Plan 2021-2030 does not include the extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas. The NDP sets out the Government’s over-arching investment strategy for the period up until 2030 and the extension of the Luas to Finglas is a project planned for after this period.

The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 was published by the NTA in January 2023, following my approval. 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 NDP, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. Luas Finglas is identified in this transport strategy as a scheme to be delivered in the medium-term as part of the proposed expansion of the Luas network.

The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project was submitted to my Department by the NTA in August 2023 and will soon 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.