Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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55. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the delivery of the MetroLink. [28451/24]

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.

A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This decision enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and on 30th September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (or TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16th January 2023.

An Oral Hearing in relation to the planning application for MetroLink commenced on February 19th and concluded on March 28th. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.

Another key milestone for the project was reached on June 25th 2024 when the appointment of the MetroLink Project Director was announced, following a search for the most suitable candidate.

MetroLink will improve the quality of the urban environment and people’s lives, as well as enable the development of more well-connected homes in our capital city. It will contribute to a shift from the private car to more sustainable travel, helping to decarbonize the transport sector, in line with Government policy.

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 planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in conjunction with TII, MetroLink.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.