Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
37. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on an alteration to the design of MetroLink to ensure the section running from the estuary roundabout in Swords along the R132 to south of the Fosterstown lands remains underground as opposed to the current plan of part underground and part in a cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15168/19]
View answer60. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the MetroLink project; if a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out on the new route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15102/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 60 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including MetroLink.
In relation to a cost-benefit analysis, all expenditure of public money must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and for projects such as MetroLink it is a requirement of that Code that a detailed business case be submitted to Government for its approval before the project can proceed to planning. I am informed that the NTA expects to submit a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála in Quarter 2 2020. I expect therefore that a such a detailed business case will be submitted to my Department in advance of that Railway Order application.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
