Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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271. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on how he has progressed the commissioning of a preferred route for the proposed Luas extension to Poolbeg since taking office; if he will supply a timeline in respect of constructive same; and if not, his plans to supply such a timeline. [34226/25]

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.

As the Deputy may be aware, the development of a Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the longer-term proposals in the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042. Its delivery is planned within the 2037-2042 timeframe.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is the Sponsoring Agency for the proposed Luas to Poolbeg project and the NTA is the day-to-day Approving Authority. Earlier this year, the NTA instructed TII to undertake a pre-feasibility analysis of the Luas to Poolbeg project. This analysis will include updated demand modelling to assess the initial feasibility of Luas Poolbeg from a passenger demand viewpoint. This is in line with the objective on the Luas to Poolbeg project outlined in the Transport Strategy for the GDA. The analysis is expected to be completed this year.

Noting the NTA's responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, 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.