298. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the extension of the Luas Green Line to link to the DART line in Shankill. [1850/25]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.

The NTA published the GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 in January 2023, following Ministerial approval. The strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a twenty-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.

Implementation of the strategy has been divided into three phases – short-term up to 2030 to align with the National Development Plan, medium-term from 2031 to 2036, and longer-term from 2037 to 2042. The GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042 identifies a number of proposed extensions to the Luas network in Dublin. While the Strategy does not include plans to extend the Luas Green Line to the Shankill DART station, it includes the intention to extend the Luas Green Line southwards in order to serve (nearby) Bray during the medium term (2031-2036).

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this 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.