622. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if an updated cost-benefit analysis of MetroLink is being carried out to take account of the revised cost of the project and the increase in population and employment since the original business case was prepared; when this analysis will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64016/26]

As the Deputy will be aware, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted AG2 documentation, including the Detailed Business Case, to my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) earlier this year. My Department and the NTA have undertaken 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 weeks.

The Detailed Business Case will reflect more recent economic, demographic and societal developments since the preparation of the Preliminary Business Case, which was approved by Government in 2022.

Following a decision by Government, publication of the Detailed Business Case will be a matter for TII.

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 scoped to moving 20,000 passengers per hour per direction.

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 This decision was subsequently subject to legal challenge, which, following successful mediation, has been withdrawn.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