Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount that has been spent on the development plans of the Dublin metro; the number of staff employed to work on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27717/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be a fully electrified, segregated and mostly underground new rail line from the Swords area to Charlemont in the south of Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport. To the end of May 2024, approximately €169 million has been invested in MetroLink, to advance the design and planning works for the project.

Circa €165m was spent on the previous Metro North project, of which €67m has ongoing value in the context of MetroLink. This €67m includes land and property surveys that are required for MetroLink and other works and acquisitions that can be used to assist MetroLink in the future.

There is typically a cost associated with bringing large scale capital investment projects through the planning and approvals process. This is due to the specialist work required to prepare economic, engineering and environmental assessments and to conduct necessary statutory and non-statutory public consultations to inform the development of the project.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.