Paul Murphy
Question:51. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the MetroLink to Knocklyon, County Dublin is seriously deficient in aspects (details supplied). [6857/22]
View answerWednesday, 9 February 2022
Questions (51)
Written answers
I think it important to set out what are two different processes currently underway both of which relate to the potential future development of metro in Dublin.
Firstly we have the MetroLink project, which is likely the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State. It faces two imminent and important milestones in the coming months - Government approval of the Preliminary Business Case in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the submission of a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The MetroLink project has been subject to extensive non-statutory public consultation and comprises the 19km route from north of Swords to the southern edge of the city centre, as outlined in the Preferred Route published by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Secondly we have the statutory review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (as amended) stipulates that the Strategy must be reviewed every six years and this review provides an opportunity to re-examine and re-consider proposals for inclusion in the revised Strategy. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as part of its review, considered whether additional metro routes, above and beyond MetroLink, should be included in any revised Strategy.
As you are aware, the NTA published the draft Strategy in November 2021, along with a suite of background reports (including the Metro to Knocklyon Feasibility Study), to facilitate an informed public consultation process which has only just recently concluded. Submissions received as part of that consultation process are now under review by the NTA.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51