Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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85. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if phase two of the western rail corridor can be delivered in the same manner as the Limerick to Foynes Port line without the need for a rail order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40003/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was published in July 2024.

The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes, including the reinstatement of the currently disused Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.

It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, including planning approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB), my Department and Department for Infrastructure and agencies north and south are already working to progress the Review's recommendations, maintaining momentum. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. Progress on the implementation of the Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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86. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects delivery of the JASPERS European Investment Bank report on the potential priorities for projects under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40004/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by my Department in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The Rail Review Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.

Assisted by the EIB Advisory Services (JASPERS is a separate EIB advisory programme), my Department and the Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations for the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. Decisions on publication timing of this work have not yet been made. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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87. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide details on expenditure on the MetroLink railway and metro-related projects to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40021/24]

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, 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 I 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.

An Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink on February 19th, which concluded on March 28th. 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 Seán 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.

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 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.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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88. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide details of any funding related to the MetroLink railway or metro-related projects which has been written off to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/24]

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, 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 I 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.

An Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink on February 19th, which concluded on March 28th. 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 Seán 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.

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 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.