Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of recent reports that the construction of the metro will require 8,000 workers; the steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66528/25]

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.I am aware of comments at a recent Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport regarding the number of workers required during MetroLink's construction and the capacity of the Irish labour force to provide same. I understand that the MetroLink team has been proactively working on the issue of accommodation, engaging with the Land Development Agency, on the matter. The MetroLink team are investigating ways of boosting housing supply for the duration of the construction period, with a view to returning units to the State following construction.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 days.