Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
58. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progression of the Dublin MetroLink; the costs incurred on the project to date; and the planned completion date. [52080/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the proposed MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new rail line from the Swords area to Charlemont in the south of Dublin City Centre. It is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Minister for Transport secured Decision Gate (DG) 1 approval under the Public Spending Code (PSC) from Cabinet. This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed on 16 January 2023 and the Department is awaiting a decision by An Bord Pleanála. It is only following the planning process that a potential completion date can be accurately determined.
In line with the PSC and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 06/2023, TII is currently preparing the Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy for MetroLink.
Earlier this year, TII appointed consultants led by Turner & Townsend to support the efficient and effective delivery of the project. This Client Partner will provide adequate resources and support across all phases of the project to ensure the successful delivery of MetroLink. This appointment is a significant development in the process of progressing MetroLink through the Decision Gate process and toward delivery, subject to approval and funding.
Between the start of 2018 and end-October 2023, a total of circa €132 million has been invested in MetroLink.
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, including, in conjunction with TII, MetroLink.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to NTA for a more detailed response on the specific issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
