Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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269. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to report on progress to roll out light rail, by county and or region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23078/25]

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 statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including light rail.

The Programme for Government commits to examine further investment in light rail for our cities.

In Dublin, Transport Infrastructure Ireland lodged a Railway Order (planning) application for the Luas Finglas project with An Bord Pleanála in November 2024. The project is part of four proposed Luas network extensions identified in the NTA statutory Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042. Should the Railway Order for the Luas Finglas project be granted, the NTA will need to provide my Department with a detailed business case and procurement strategy. As is the case with all major projects, Government consent must then be acquired at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines for funding to be secured for the project and construction to commence.

In Cork, a public consultation on the emerging preferred route for the Luas Cork project was recently launched on 14th April 2025. The project will be subject to planning approval from An Bord Pleanála. As a proposed investment of over €200 million, it will also need to undergo extensive appraisal, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. The commencement date of this proposed project will be partly determined by the outcome of these approval processes.

In Galway, the Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA in October 2024 for information and has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and public consultation process in due course. It should be noted that any future light rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Noting the NTA's responsibility, 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.