159. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the commitment given by TII during the MetroLink railway order process, to provide an independent engineering expert (IEE) service for residents during the construction phase of the project; whether the terms of reference for the role have been prepared or are currently being drafted; if so, by whom; whether residents' representative groups will be consulted before the terms of reference are finalised; who will appoint, manage and fund the independent engineering expert; whether the role will be funded by his Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland or the new MetroLink Delivery Agency; the arrangements that will be put in place to ensure that the independent engineering expert is contractually and operationally independent of the bodies responsible for delivering the MetroLink project; when the independent engineering expert is expected to be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53261/26]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, MetroLink will be a fully segregated and mostly underground new railway line between Swords and Dublin City Centre, the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a key project under the National Development Plan (NDP) and NDP Review 2025. MetroLink will be able to carry a peak capacity of 20,000 passengers per hour per direction in the future.

An Coimisiún Pleanála published its decision to grant the MetroLink Railway Order in October 2025. This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.

Construction of MetroLink is earmarked to commence over the coming years with a view to operation in the 2030s.

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