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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Ceisteanna (147)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

147. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he is committed to completing the MetroLink project; if the funding is in place for this project; if this project will be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits toward a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and investing in high-quality public transport, such as projects like MetroLink, forms part of that commitment.

The funding required for the project will be determined through the finalisation of the Preliminary Business Case, which is a Government Decision Gate under the Public Spending Code. I understand that the Preliminary Business Case will be finalised well in advance of the completion of the review of the National Development Plan and therefore the funding requirements for the project will usefully inform my engagement with that process in due course.

In relation to COVID-19 related delays, there have been some delays associated with the cessation of construction activity at certain times and the impact that has had on surveying works for example; however, overall those particular delays have not been particularly significant given the very early stage of the project.

I firmly believe that high-quality public transport will still be necessary as we recover from the longer term effects of the pandemic, notwithstanding the changes it may bring about to certain aspects of our behaviour, such as the traditional commute. Obviously, issues in relation to potentially changed commuting demand will need to be reflected in the development of Preliminary Business Cases for transport projects in the future but I would note that the Central Statistics Office’s National Travel Survey shows us that commuting accounts for less than 25% of all trips. Projects that can enable high-density residential development, support localised travel, and provide connectivity to citizens wishing to undertake a wide range of daily activities will continue to have a place in our investment programme in my opinion.

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