Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
198. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if plans for the new metro will have consequences for the environmentally sensitive area of St. Stephen's Green; if a plan or biodiversity audit has been drawn up to protect this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50963/22]
View answerA substantial amount of work was undertaken by TII in selecting the preferred station location at St. Stephen's Green, including extensive public consultation and subsequent redesign and relocation. A public consultation took place from 22 March to 11 May 2018 along the full length of the route and almost 8,000 submissions were received and considered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). A further round of public consultation on the route took place between 26 March and 21 May 2019, with over 2,000 submissions received. Following the submission of the railway order planning application by TII to An Bord Pleanála on 30 September, project documentation can be viewed at: www.metrolinkro.ie
The preferred MetroLink station will have a short-term impact on approximately 5% of the eastern interior of St. Stephen's Green. All other options assessed either impacted more of the park and/or were more expensive and/or took longer to construct. MetroLink. Related works within the perimeter boundary of the park for the preferred option compare more favourably to the previously approved Railway Order for Metro North, where approximately 30% of the park was to be impacted. Of the overall 9.2 hectares of the park, less than 1% is required for the permanent footprint of the preferred option for MetroLink.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report for MetroLink is available to view online at the dedicated MetroLink Railway Order website above and written submissions on the plans can be made to An Bord Pleanála until 25 November.
As Minister for Transport, 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 which includes, in conjunction with TII, MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply to the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
