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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019

Thursday, 24 October 2019

Questions (232, 233, 234)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

232. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €3 billion allocation for the development and construction of MetroLink; the planning stage of the project; the estimated commencement date for construction; the estimated completion date of the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43961/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

233. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the light rail system from the city centre to Swords as part of the MetroLink project; the projected commencement date; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43962/19]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

234. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of the light rail system from the city centre to Sandyford as part of the MetroLink project; the projected commencement date; the projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43963/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have completed non-statutory consultation periods over 2018 and 2019 in relation to MetroLink.

Consultations held this year related to MetroLink's "Preferred Route" which is now a 19 kilometre route from Charlemont to Estuary in North County Dublin. Submissions received during the most recent consultation period are still being considered and I understand a report on those submissions will be published in due course.

Work has commenced on developing a preliminary business case, and cost estimation will form a central part of that business case. The NTA and TII hope to submit a finalised business case to me and my Department early next year, which I will then bring to Government for its approval.  This process is in line with the Public Spending Code.

As the Deputy may be aware, the formal planning permission for a proposed railway development is given by way of a Railway Order.  I understand from the NTA and TII that they expect to lodge a Railway Order application with An Bord Pleanala next year and construction can begin once that procedure is complete.  At this stage, the projected completion date for the MetroLink is 2027.

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