Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
412. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Transport to provide details on the provisional costings for the MetroLink from the city to south-west Dublin, including details of available funding for the project and estimated costs of the line for St. Stephen’s Green to Charlemont; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19460/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, 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 development of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that MetroLink from Swords to Charlemont via Stephen's Green would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042.
The Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn in 2021 prices, excluding VAT. An updated and more definite cost estimate for MetroLink will be known after the planning and procurement stages, and will be brought to Government for consideration at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
There were a number of studies and reports that informed the development of Dublin's integrated transport system, as set out in the Strategy, including feasibility studies for a metro to Knocklyon and a metro to Sandyford. While the Strategy states that the south west Dublin area is best served by bus rapid transit (such as BusConnects) and light rail (such as Luas) for the foreseeable future, it notes that the MetroLink terminus at Charlemont can facilitate any potential future metro extension to serve the south west or south east of the Dublin area should sufficient demand develop.
The Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
The NTA reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every six years, and the process to update the current strategy is likely to commence next year. Therefore the consideration of a southwestern extension of MetroLink may be examined as part of or related to this update.
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.
