Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
143. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on Luas Finglas as part of the greater Dublin area capital programme, including detail on the anticipated start date for construction; to outline the projected cost allocated within expenditure projection contained in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25174/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2022-2042 was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in January 2023, following my approval. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The development of a Luas line serving Finglas is part of the strategy’s medium-term proposals, for development and delivery within the 2031-2036 timeframe, as part of a number of proposed Luas network extensions for the period up to 2042.
The preliminary business case for the Luas Finglas project has been submitted to my Department by the NTA and will soon be brought to Government for its consent in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. This will enable the project to enter the statutory planning process through the submission of a Railway Order Application to An Bord Pleanála. The precise start date for construction of the Luas Finglas project will depend on a number of factors, including a decision in relation to the planning application.
The final budget for the project 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. Officials in my Department engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including the Luas Finglas project.
144. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the legislative or regulatory provisions governing taxi vehicles driving in bus lanes. [25175/24]
View answer
