James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his engagements about accelerating Luas extensions as part of his NDP review negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34128/25]

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.

Implementation of the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the current National Development Plan (NDP), medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The development of Luas lines to Finglas, Lucan, Bray and Poolbeg are part of the Strategy’s medium to longer-term proposals.

The Programme for Government commits to reviewing and enhancing the NDP, to deliver on existing strategically important transport infrastructure commitments and to consider the needs of new or accelerated potential projects and programmes. Having worked closely with the NTA in considering such needs, my Department is engaged in the ongoing NDP Review with the Department of Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This will inform the level of Exchequer funds available for public transport capital investment, including Luas projects. More information on this matter is expected in the coming months.