Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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594. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the MetroLink project; the most recent cost estimates, construction timeline and consultation milestones relevant to Ballymun and Glasnevin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44064/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.

A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the then-Public Spending Code. This approval enabled the project to move to the planning application stage, and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

An Coimisiún Pleanála held an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink in February/March 2024. TII engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Following the Oral Hearing, An Coimisiún Pleanála held an additional round of public consultation from 19th August to 8th October 2024. A planning decision is awaited from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will prepare a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Regarding costs, the Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16 billion to €12.25 billion 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.

Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the mid-2030s.

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 working days.