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Rail Network Expansion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Ceisteanna (523)

John Lahart

Ceist:

523. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has taken to include a feasibility study on the recommendation in the recent Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly recommendation to complete the construction of MetroLink from Swords to Sandyford and to UCD and Knocklyon from Charlemont; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51188/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The making, implementation and review of a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) is a function of the relevant Regional Assembly, in this case the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

In accordance with section 23 of the 2000 Act, the objective of a RSES is to provide a long-term strategic planning and economic framework for the development of the region that is consistent with the National Planning Framework and the economic policies or objectives of the Government. There is also a statutory requirement for the Eastern and Midland Region RSES to be consistent with the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035.

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government is responsible for ensuring that each RSES reflects all relevant statutory requirements. In this regard, I am aware that the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government gave notice on 7 August 2019 to the EMRA that he intended to issue a Direction under Section 31A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) in relation to objectives within the RSES that went beyond the scope of the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035, and the Government's National Planning Framework 2040 and National Development Plan 2018-2027. This statutory process is currently ongoing and accordingly it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

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