Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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215.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department/Transport Infrastructure Ireland can provide a rationale for the necessity of conducting ground investigations on the MetroLink site in Dublin on a seven-day basis.[34316/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new rail line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.

Further to the planning application for MetroLink, the Oral Hearing began on 19th February and ran until 28th March. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála instructed TII to make the Oral Hearing documents available for a second public consultation period from August 19th to October 9th.

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 TII.

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

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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216.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department/Transport Infrastructure Ireland can clarify the reasons for the granting of weekend out-of-hours work permits for routine investigations, considering such permits are generally reserved for exceptional circumstances.[34317/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.

Further to the planning application for MetroLink, the Oral Hearing began on 19th February and ran until 28th March. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála instructed TII to make the Oral Hearing documents available for a second public consultation period from August 19th to October 9th.

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 MetroLink in conjunction with TII.

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