Opening Statement by Anne Shaw, CEO, National Transport Authority
“Cathaoirleach and Members of the Committee,
Thank you for the invitation to appear before you today to discuss progress on the delivery of MetroLink, one of the most significant transport projects being advanced under the National Development Plan.
I am joined this afternoon by Hugh Creegan, Deputy CEO and Director of Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority.
As the Committee is well aware, we are at a transformative point in the development of Ireland’s transport infrastructure. Across Government and the transport sector, there is a shared commitment to delivering modern, sustainable and integrated transport networks that encourages modal shift by creating more sustainable choices, reducing congestion which supports economic growth, unlocking housing and regional development through improved connectivity whilst meeting climate objectives.
Significant progress
Significant progress is now being made across a wide range of public transport projects, including BusConnects, DART+ and Active Travel infrastructure, with MetroLink representing a critical component of that overall programme.
Before turning to MetroLink specifically, I will briefly outline the role of the NTA in relation to infrastructure delivery.
The role of the NTA in relation to infrastructure delivery
The National Transport Authority is the statutory body responsible for the planning, development and funding of public transport and active travel infrastructure, as provided for under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. We also regulate a number of elements of the transport system, including commercial bus services and the small public service vehicle sector.
The Approving Authority for major public transport investment programmes
In addition, we act as the Approving Authority for major public transport investment programmes, including BusConnects, DART+ and MetroLink. In that capacity, we are responsible for approving key decisions throughout the project lifecycle in accordance with the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines, such as approval to seek planning consent, approval to tender and approval to award contracts, in addition to providing general oversight of the progression of the project by the relevant delivery agency.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport sets out an ambitious programme of investment, with significant funding committed to public transport over the period 2026 to 2030, alongside additional support for MetroLink through the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. The scale of this commitment reflects the priority being placed on sustainable transport at a national level.
MetroLink
Turning to MetroLink, Transport Infrastructure Ireland will provide the Committee with a detailed update on the current status of the project. However, it is important to acknowledge the very significant milestone reached with the granting of the Railway Order by An Coimisiún Pleanála in October 2025 and its subsequent finalisation in January 2026 following the resolution of judicial review proceedings. This represented a major step forward, providing planning certainty and a clear pathway towards project delivery.
Since then, work has focused on advancing MetroLink into the procurement stage and advancing the project towards the next key decision point under the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
In parallel, the Department of Transport, with the support of TII and the NTA, is progressing the establishment of a dedicated statutory delivery body to oversee MetroLink during its construction phase. Government approval has recently been obtained for the Heads of Bill of the legislation to set up the new body, and it is hoped that this legislation will be progressed expeditiously through the Oireachtas process.
MetroLink represents a once-in-a-generation investment that will fundamentally enhance the capacity, connectivity and resilience of Dublin’s transport network. However, it is only one part of a much a wider national programme of transport investment already delivering tangible benefits for communities across the country.
Committed to supporting the successful delivery of Metrolink
While significant work remains ahead to bring Metrolink to completion, we are making steady and tangible progress through the next stages of delivery, building on the significant milestones already achieved. The NTA remains committed to supporting the successful delivery of Metrolink and to ensuring that this major public investment delivers long-term value, enhanced connectivity, greater transport capacity and a more sustainable future for the people of Ireland.
Thank you, Chair.
I look forward to engaging with the Committee and answering your questions.”