Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019
203. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that the MetroLink project is completed in the most efficient and effective manner and is not terminated at Charlemont but developed as a comprehensive northside and southside public transport initiative. [10023/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the plans for the southern section of the proposed MetroLink project will be clarified; if an upgrade to metro standard of the Charlemont to Sandyford section of the existing Luas green line would necessitate the replacement or removal of sections of the existing tracks for an extended period; his views on whether the Luas green line is already close to capacity and that by increasing the frequency of trams on this route as it now exists this would result in unacceptable disruption to city centre traffic; if the cancellation of the Charlemont to Sandyford section of MetroLink will jeopardise further expansion of the Luas network to Bray and Finglas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10152/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected cost of the metro north and south project; the amount spent to date; when the project will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10177/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 209 and 210 together.
As the Deputies are aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are developing revised proposals for public consultation in relation to a "Preferred Route" of the proposed MetroLink.
This "Preferred Route" follows on from last year's public consultation on what was known as a "Emerging Preferred Route", a public consultation which gave rise to much public commentary, particularly regarding a number of different local areas across the city.
In developing their revised proposals the NTA and TII are seeking to develop a new cross-city public transport corridor via the airport and out to Swords and, in doing so, increase capacity on the Luas Green Line. In trying to achieve that ambition they are also listening to the views of the public, including those living along the Green Line, as regards what level of disruption is acceptable to deliver the increased capacity the Line needs.
It is a matter for the NTA and TII to bring their revised proposals forward for public consultation and I look forward to hearing the public's views on the "Preferred Route" when it is published in the coming weeks.
The Deputies are right to note the importance of timely and cost effective delivery of projects such as this, and those issues are obviously important matters for consideration as the project moves onto this next phase of consultation.
The Deputies will appreciate that development of a business case for the project is contingent upon the selection of a "Preferred Route". Under the Public Spending Code, a business case will be submitted to my Department in due course for consideration in line with the requirements of the Code. I am informed by the NTA that expenditure to date on the project totals €9 million.
