Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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282. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposal to bring the Luas Green Line across the M50 near Finglas, and therefore closer to Dublin Airport. [1827/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 (GDA), including light rail.

The Luas Finglas project is part of four proposed Luas network extensions identified in the NTA's statutory Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. A Preliminary Business Case for the project was prepared by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) as the Sponsoring Agency and approved by the NTA as the day-to-day Approving Authority for submission to the Department of Transport.

The preferred route identified in the Preliminary Business Case was developed by TII following route options analysis and two periods of non-statutory public consultation. This preferred route does not extend beyond the M50. The proposal is that the extension will instead terminate at Charlestown.

In October 2024, following departmental approval on the Preliminary Business Case, Government consent to approval in principle for the Luas Finglas project was approved at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. A Railway Order Application of the preferred route was lodged by TII with An Bord Pleanála in November 2024.

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

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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283. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will implement a reduced fare or flat daily fare for public transport users who are residents of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1828/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commit to making all public transport fully accessible to all users, without the need for notice to be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of accessible public transport services and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have forwarded your question to it for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.