Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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411. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to initiate an independent feasibility study into continuing the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin, including details of any provisional discussions or issues that may be causing delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19459/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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 the development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.

The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.

There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.

The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.

The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.

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.

Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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412. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide details on the provisional costings for the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin, including details of available funding for the project and estimated costs of the line for St. Stephen’s Green to Charlemont; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19460/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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 the development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.

The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that MetroLink from Swords to Charlemont via Stephen's Green would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.

The Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn in 2021 prices, excluding VAT. An updated and more definite cost estimate for MetroLink will be known after the planning and procurement stages, and will be brought to Government for consideration at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.

The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.

The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.

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.

Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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413. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to confirm if the route for the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin has been confirmed, or if this decision will be opened for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19461/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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 the development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.

The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.

There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.

The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.

The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.

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.

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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414. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on level crossings (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19537/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and level crossings on the network including the level crossings referred to, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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415. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if weekend services between Grand Canal Dock and Adamstown can be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19554/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

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