Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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250. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a detailed explanation of the factors driving the projected per-kilometre cost of the MetroLink project; if he will publish the international benchmarking used to assess value for money, including comparisons with major European metro projects such as the Madrid Metro expansion; the steps his Department is taking to ensure cost efficiency in delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66237/25]

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 the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.

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 published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order on 2nd October 2025.

It is too early in the project lifecycle to give a precise capital cost or budget for MetroLink. This is because the project has yet to go through the detailed procurement stage. The cost estimates for MetroLink are currently under review by the NTA as part of preparation for Approval Gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines and will ultimately be finalised once tenders have been received, ahead of the Government's decision at Approval Gate 3.

Cooperation between the public and private sector plays a key role in driving value for money and supporting innovation within the transport sector. MetroLink will be the single biggest investment in transport infrastructure in the history of the State. Therefore, it is vital that we engage effectively with the private sector to support the delivery of the project in a timely manner and which achieves value for money for Irish citizens.

Noting the NTA's responsibility for this 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 days.