I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 to 182, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 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 (GDA) including the development of a metro scheme (MetroLink), and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is the agency tasked with delivery of the MetroLink project.
The recently published Project Ireland 2040 proposes to take forward a MetroLink scheme to run from Swords, via Dublin Airport to Dublin’s south city centre (operating in tunnel under the city centre) and onwards to Sandyford using the existing Luas Green Line to ensure that growth along this corridor can be accommodated.
The details of the MetroLink scheme (Swords to Sandyford) were the subject of a non-statutory public consultation process over the last month. It is planned to commence construction of the scheme in 2021 with a view to its completion by 2027.
A Railway Order is required to construct and operate the scheme and for the necessary compulsory purchase order arrangements. Accordingly, an application for a Railway Order will be submitted in 2019 when a detailed Business Case for the scheme has been approved that seeks power to construct and operate the scheme and also to ensure that the necessary compulsory purchase order arrangements are given effect to secure the scheme.
In relation to the detail of the specific queries and given the role of both the NTA and TII, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to both organisations for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.