Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on Metro North; the timeline for completion, the current status and costing to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38237/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, via Dublin Airport. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.

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 in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála.

The Railway Order consultation period, following the submission of the Railway Order application in September 2022, provided the opportunity for stakeholders along the MetroLink route to raise concerns with the project. As part of the process, TII reviewed submissions, constructively engaged with stakeholders on their concerns, developed mitigations and prepared responses to the submissions received. This includes submissions made by other State agencies. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed in January 2023.

An Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink on February 19th, which concluded on March 28th. This process allowed planning authorities, prescribed bodies (Office of Public Works, Dublin Airport etc.), elected representatives and observers such as Trinity College Dublin to share their views on the project.

TII engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Where possible, following engagement, TII has provided An Bord Pleanála with conditions agreed by both parties aimed at addressing their specific concerns. Following the Oral Hearing an additional round of public consultation is taking place from 19th August to 8th October.

Another key milestone was reached in June this year when Sean Sweeney was announced as the Project Director for MetroLink. Mr Sweeney has held leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand and the US.

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.

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, in conjunction with with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), MetroLink.

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.