Duncan Smith
Ceist:93. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the delivery of the Metrolink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41983/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 17 October 2024
Ceisteanna (93)
Freagraí scríofa
MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. MetroLink will serve multiple residential communities such as Swords, Ballymun and Glasnevin, as well as the City Centre, Dublin Airport, major employment zones, education, transport and other facilities. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future. MetroLink will connect to Irish Rail, DART, Luas and bus services, as well as Dublin airport.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured approval for the project from the Cabinet under Approval Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. This approval 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 held an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink in February/March 2024. This process allowed planning authorities, prescribed bodies, elected representatives and observers to share their views on the project. TII engaged constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Where possible, following engagement, TII has provided An Bord Pleanála with conditions agreed by both parties aimed at addressing their specific concerns. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála held an additional round of public consultation from 19th August to 8th October 2024.
Another key milestone was reached on June 2024 when Sean Sweeney was announced as the Project Director for MetroLink. Mr. Sweeney has three decades in leadership roles on major infrastructure projects in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Subject to securing planning approval, and no successful legal challenges, TII will submit a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for consideration at Approval Gate 2, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.