Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has undertaken a significant amount of work to decide the preferred route for MetroLink and the concerns and considerations of residents along the route have played an important role in this. 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 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 from TII to An Bord Pleanála on 30 September, written submissions on the plans can also be made to An Bord Pleanála until 25 November.
TII and the National Transport Authority (NTA) recognise that some aspects of the Railway Order process are quite technical and have set up a process to assist residents’ groups in interpreting technical designs, drawings, etc. and formulating their responses. Independent experts, RINA, have been appointed to review the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) on behalf of the residents’ groups and assist the residents in preparing their Railway Order submissions.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The 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.
