Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the design and construction of the Finglas Luas key infrastructure project; the progress to date; and if he intends to provide funding for the construction of the project subject to planning approval. [22881/25]

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 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 statutory Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. The development of a Luas green line extension to serve Finglas is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals, scheduled for delivery within the 2031-2036 timeframe.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), as the Sponsoring Agency, prepared a Preliminary Business Case for the Luas Finglas project and the NTA as the day-to-day Approving Authority approved it for submission to the Department of Transport. In October 2024, the Government consented to approval in principle for the Luas Finglas project at Approval Gate 1 of the Infrastructure Guidelines. TII lodged a Railway Order (planning) application for the project with An Bord Pleanála in November 2024.

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. This is required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. I, as Minister for Transport, will need to provide my approval for the Luas Finglas project to proceed to the tendering stage at Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

As is the case with all major projects, Government consent must then be acquired at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines after the Final Business Case for the project has been reviewed. It is at this stage where the final decision is made regarding funding of major infrastructure projects.

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.