456. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 18 June 2026, and the reply to the topical issue on Thursday 16 July 2026 on Metro south-west, to provide clarity on the intentions to meet the commitment in the Programme for Government to “Commission an independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin”; whether this study will simply be a part of the six yearly NTA review of transport strategy, as indicated in his reply, or if it will be an independent feasibility study as indicated in the topical issue reply; to outline the way in which this study will take place; and the way in which its independence will be assured. [56559/26]

457. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the planned independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to South-West Dublin; whether it will take into account the work done by a person (details supplied). [56560/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.

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

The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and must be reviewed every six years, with the next review due in 2028. As part of this review, the NTA will reassess the need for additional metro lines, among other transport options, in the GDA. This review will consider updated travel demand forecasts, as well as changes in land use and spatial planning policies. This background analytical work is expected to commence over the next year.

As the Deputy notes, the Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin. The independent feasibility study for the metro to South-West Dublin will be undertaken as part of this broader strategic review process, ensuring that it is considered in an integrated and holistic manner.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the 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.