Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
95. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed development of the Luas to Bray, County Wicklow; the next steps required to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53497/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is no doubt aware the recently published National Development Plan indicates that the forthcoming Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) will set out additional proposals for the development of future Luas lines to better connect communities and enable transport-led development.
I can inform the Deputy that the National Transport Authority (NTA) will very shortly publish a revised Strategy for public consultation. As part of that, the NTA will also publish a range of background analyses, including one related to Bray and its surrounding area. I am informed that a proposal for a Luas line to Bray will be recommended by the revised Strategy.
As the Deputy is aware the Strategy has a statutory basis and must be reflected in relevant land-use plans for the GDA. It is a requirement of the legislation that the Strategy be reviewed every six years and that is why it is currently under review.
The Strategy will address the future requirements for public transport in the GDA, including the requirement for Luas, both in terms of meeting the capacity requirements on existing lines, as well as the need for new Luas corridors.
In terms of process, the revised Strategy will be published shortly with a six-week period open for people to make their views known. Following the conclusion of the consultation process, the NTA will review and assess all of the submissions and once finalized, the Strategy will be submitted for Ministerial approval in accordance with the legislative requirements.
I would note that inclusion in any revised Strategy is the first step in what is a very detailed and often lengthy process to enable projects move from the strategic support, enabled by inclusion in a Transport Strategy, to being a project with a Preliminary Business Case seeking approval to enter the statutory planning process.
