John Brady
Question:87. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on expenditure on the MetroLink railway and metro-related projects to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40021/24]
View answerTuesday, 8 October 2024
Questions (87)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, via Dublin Airport. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when I secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This decision 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 Bord Pleanála.
An Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink on February 19th, which concluded on March 28th. Following the Oral Hearing an additional round of public consultation is taking place from 19th August to 8th October.
Another key milestone was reached in June this year when Seán Sweeney was announced as the Project Director for MetroLink. Mr Sweeney has held leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), MetroLink.
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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.