Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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 National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The development of a Luas line serving Finglas is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals for development and delivery within the 2031-2036 timeframe as part of a number of proposed Luas network extensions for the period up to 2042.

The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project has been submitted to my Department by the NTA and will soon be brought to Government for its consent in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. 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.