Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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429. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his a plans to build a terminating platform in Kildare train station. [19706/25]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the proposed platform at Kildare train station.

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.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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430. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the location of the MetroLink south terminus will be moved if the railway order is approved; and if so, the process involved in such a change. [19724/25]

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 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. This route terminates at Charlemont in the City Centre.

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. The Strategy states that the southwest Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future. The Strategy also notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro expansions to serve the southwest, south or southeast of Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.

The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to southwest 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 manner, 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.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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431. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on the pre-approval stage of the MetroLink; the intended spend on each of the next stages, including the design, build packages involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19725/25]

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 MetroLink.

I understand that approximately €243 million has been spent to support the development of MetroLink up to the end of March 2025.

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.

The final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the NTA on a regular basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including MetroLink.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the manner, 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.