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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Questions (211, 238)

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy

Question:

211. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if a comparative cost analysis with major European metro systems, including projects such as Madrid Metro expansions, has been completed by or on behalf of National Transport Authority in relation to the MetroLink project; when this benchmarking will be published and made available to the Houses of the Oireachtas (details supplied); the way in which value for money is being assessed at this stage of the project, prior to Approval Gate 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1451/26]

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Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy

Question:

238. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which his Department's Value for Money and Public Spending Code units have reviewed the projected cost per kilometre of the MetroLink project; if international comparators including the inflation-adjusted cost of the Madrid Metro network expansion have been assessed; if he will publish the outcome of this benchmarking; the measures in place to ensure cost discipline in large-scale transport projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66276/25]

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Written answers

Darragh O'Brien

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 238 together.

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.

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 Preliminary Business Case showed how the project benefits exceed the project costs. 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.

The NTA is responsible for developing cost estimates, as originally set out in the Preliminary Business Case and as updated since, and subsequent cost analyses.

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.

Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 139.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
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