Transport Policy

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Questions (298, 299)

Gary Gannon

Question:

298. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport further to recent Cabinet approval to establish a new statutory body to deliver the MetroLink project in addition to the existing roles of Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority; the rationale for establishing a separate delivery agency rather than continuing delivery within existing bodies with established governance, oversight and public engagement structures; the way in which the creation of an additional agency will impact residents and communities in Dublin central who are directly affected by the project and who have already engaged extensively with TII and the NTA; the measures that will be put in place to ensure continuity of community engagement, avoid duplication of functions, prevent disruption arising from overlapping authority, and provide a clear single point of accountability for affected residents and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5632/26]

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Gary Gannon

Question:

299. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the details of the projected operational lifespan of the proposed new statutory MetroLink delivery body; the estimated establishment and ongoing costs; the staffing, legal and administrative expenditure; whether it is intended that the body will be wound down following completion of the MetroLink project; whether any impact, value-for-money or efficiency assessment has been conducted on the creation of an additional delivery agency; the expected implications for project timelines, delivery efficiency and accountability mechanisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5633/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.

In November of last year, the Government approved my policy proposal to establish a dedicated MetroLink delivery body and the preparation of legislation to give affect to this proposal. MetroLink is recognised as the largest public transport infrastructure project in the history of the State and the policy proposal approved was the culmination of research and analysis undertaken by my Department.

An interdepartmental working group, comprising officials from my Department, the NTA and TII has been established to review the practical and legislative issues as well as the necessary governance requirements to be addressed in establishing the dedicated delivery body. Work is underway and I expect to bring a General Scheme to Government with these developed proposals by April of this year for a further Government Decision to proceed with the legislative process through the houses of the Oireachtas. Detailed issues such as those raised by the Deputy can be considered during the legislative process.

Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 298.