Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the status of Metro North, including the latest timelines to approval and tender award for initial construction; if he will outline the total projected project cost; if he concurs with recent NTA published material indicating a September 2024 start date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21256/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, an Oral Hearing in relation to the planning application for MetroLink commenced on February 19th and concluded on March 28th. Dependent on the outcome of the planning process, construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation by the mid-2030s.

MetroLink serves a different route to that proposed by Metro North, for example MetroLink will connect with the rail network at Tara Street, a new rail station at Glasnevin and the Green Line Luas at Charlemont. There are also a number of fundamental engineering and operational differences between Metro North and MetroLink, such as MetroLink’s use of fully automated operation, reflecting technological advances over the years.

The Preliminary Business Case included a range of potential capital costs from €7.16bn to €12.25bn in 2021 prices, excluding VAT. An updated and more definite cost estimate for MetroLink will be known after the planning and procurement stages, and will be brought to Government for consideration at Approval Gate 3 of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

The final budget for MetroLink will not be set until after the planning process and completion of tendering and procurement, with the Government having the final decision about whether to proceed to construction. Officials in my Department engage with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an ongoing basis in relation to the budget and progress of all major projects, including MetroLink.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions in relation to the areas raised to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.