119. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the Metrolink enabling works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45939/26]

Thank you to the Deputy for raising this question.

MetroLink is not only a key project for the Government under the National Development Plan, it is a project that will bring many benefits for many generations to come.

There has been substantial progress over the last year in moving MetroLink from planning and design and into procurement and towards construction. With regards to enabling works, this includes:

• On 29 May, the contract notice for the M120 framework was published. This will provide for the construction of the Dublin Airport Station Box and Glasnevin Station retaining walls.

• Contract notices for M14 Utilities and Site Clearance contracts were published earlier this year, with Invitations to Tender expected to be published in Quarter 3 this year. These will provide for the diversion of underground utility networks such was watermains and electricity lines.

• In 2025, a dedicated qualification system was launched for the M130 Archaeology Services contracts. Qualified firms were invited to submit bids for the first such contract in March of this year, which will cover the northern section of the route. Further contracts will be launched later this year.

• The Contract Notice for M160 Environmental Monitoring Services was launched earlier this month, with the Invitation for Tender due to be published later this year.

• Finally, Invitation to Tender for the M190 Specialist Heritage framework is expected to be published in the coming months.

The advanced and enabling works are important in de-risking the programme. Achieving site readiness allows the mobilisation of the main civil engineering contracts and heavy construction commencing by 2028.

While inevitably there will be some disruption during the enabling and construction works, this will be done in consultation with local communities so that their voices are heard.

I look forward to seeing this important project progress into construction and on to delivery, to the benefit of the people of north Dublin and beyond.