Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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93. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason his Department and associated agencies have repeatedly omitted the Royal Canal railway line from Docklands to Broombridge during assessments that preceded the current MetroLink application. [40155/24]

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.