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.