127. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport when the Revised Business Case submitted by Metrolink will be considered; the immediate issues that are preventing approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53851/26]

128. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the measures that have been taken by his Department to prevent cost escalation of the Metrolink project, due to inflationary measures effects or otherwise, since the original submission of the Business Case in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53852/26]

129. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the updated capital cost range for the Metrolink project submitted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland given the impact of inflation and new commitments made under the new railway order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53853/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.

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 This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted AG2 documentation, including the Detailed Business Case, to the NTA and the Department earlier this year. The NTA and my Department are undertaking a integrated assurance process to accelerate review and approval times, rather than the usual sequential approach. This approach will maintain recent momentum gained on MetroLink while ensuring strong oversight at this stage, as the project prepares to move into detailed procurement. I expect to bring a recommendation to Cabinet over the coming two months, which will include an update on the estimated cost range.

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