Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
517. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport following the publication of the transport strategy for the greater Dublin area 2016-2035 to set out when the Lucan Luas line project will progress. [7535/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including Luas light rail projects.
In this regard, I recently approved the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA (comprising the counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow) for the period 2016-2035. The Strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA over the next two decades. It includes a proposal for an extension of the Luas to Lucan. Following approval of the Strategy, and in accordance with its statutory mandate, the NTA has now commenced work on a six year Integrated Implementation Plan.
The Government's plans for transport investment for this period are set out in the new Capital Plan, 'Building on Recovery' Infrastructure & Capital Investment 2016-2021. The Capital Plan does not include funding for this project so it will not be advanced during this period. The timeline for the project will be determined in the context of future Integrated Implementation Plans brought forward by the NTA for implementation of the Strategy and future Capital Funding Reviews.
The development of any Luas project would also be subject to appraisal and evaluation (including review of a detailed business case) under the Public Spending Code as well as the availability of funding.
