As the Deputy may be aware, MetroLink is a key project under the National Development Plan 2021-30. MetroLink will be a fully electrified, segregated and mostly underground new rail line from the Swords area to Charlemont in the south of Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 is the statutory transport strategy for the region and sets out a range of ambitious proposals for delivery over the period to 2042. In relation to metro, and as outlined in the Strategy, the analysis conducted concluded that a metro line from Swords to Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport would be the key area of focus for metro delivery out to 2042. The National Transport Authority (NTA) reviews and updates the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area every 6 years.
A significant milestone in the progression of the MetroLink project was cleared in July 2022, when the Government granted Decision Gate 1 approval in principle under the Public Spending Code to the project. This decision enabled the project to move to planning application stage and on 30 September Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. An Oral Hearing for the project began on February 19th and concluded on March 28th 2024.
Separately, the Deputy may also be aware that the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. The recommendations set out in the Review are intended, within the Greater Dublin Area, to represent potential additional complementary provision which could be considered for inclusion in future updates to the GDA Transport Strategy, which is required to be updated every six years .
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, improved connectivity to the North West, and rail connectivity to our international gateways, including Dublin airport. The draft Review recommends building a heavy rail spur from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport by 2050 in addition to MetroLink.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July 2023. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.
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, in conjunction with TII. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
