Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, raised the issue of the delivery of new Metro North with the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Shane Ross TD in Dáil Éireann.
“I believe the delivery of new Metro North, to provide a rail based connection between the city centre, Dublin Airport, and Swords, is of the utmost importance and must be treated as a priority by the Government. For this reason, I raised the issue with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in Dáil Éireann.
“Given the importance of new Metro North to both the Airport, as passenger numbers continue to grow, and to Swords, which is an emerging city in its own right, I have requested that, notwithstanding Brexit and should the fiscal space become available, the Government should do what they can to fast-track the delivery of this vital piece of transport infrastructure for the North County.
“New Metro North is currently going through its planning stages, and following a new railway procurement order, construction will commence in 2021, with the project being completed in 2026-2027.
Responding to Deputy Farrell, the Minister stated “I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue which I know is close to his heart. He has been a very staunch campaigner on this issue on behalf of the people of his constituency and will continue to be until Metro North is completed.
“The National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have commenced preparatory work on the planning and design of the new Metro North project. A dedicated steering group has been established. If additional funding becomes available in the next few years – I am not saying whether it will – the preparatory work being done will position us to make progress with the project in line with the available funding.
“Metro North will be a vital piece of national infrastructure. It will respond to the needs of the emerging economy in the medium term and cater for the longer term public transport needs of this strategically important transport corridor” concluded the Minister in his response to Deputy Farrell.
