Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
161. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport how Transport Infrastructure Ireland's current practice of negotiating with groups and organisations outside of An Bord Pleanála oral hearings, not disclosing any details of subsequent agreements to An Bord Pleanála, and citing non-disclosure agreements as the reason (NDAs), is appropriate in the planning of publicly-funded projects such as MetroLink. [13359/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, in September 2022 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application for MetroLink to An Bord Pleanála. The statutory planning consultation for the project closed in January 2023.
The Railway Order consultation period provided the opportunity for stakeholders along the MetroLink route to raise concerns with the project. As part of the Railway Order planning process, TII reviewed submissions, constructively engaged with stakeholders on their concerns, developed mitigations and prepared responses to the submissions received.
An Bord Pleanála commenced an Oral Hearing in relation to MetroLink on February 19th, which is scheduled to run until March 28th . This open and transparent process will allows planning authorities, prescribed bodies, elected representatives and observers to share their views on the project.
TII continues to engage constructively with all parties as part of the Oral Hearing. Where possible, following engagement, TII has provided An Bord Pleanála with conditions agreed by both parties aimed at addressing their specific concerns. These agreements are conditional upon the granting of a Railway Order. Certain agreements contain confidentiality provisions to protect commercially sensitive information while TII are engaging in active negotiations with stakeholders directly impacted by the project.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the MetroLink, in conjunction with TII.
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.
