'More realistic funding' model needed for transport projects, Government warned

The document outlines that analysis from the National Transport Authority shows that tender costs are up by 30% since 2021, when the National Development Plan was published.

It says final business cases for major projects “will reflect those increased costs”.

“It is vital that the NDP is reviewed to provide a more realistic funding envelope, to deliver both on existing commitments and to meet new and emerging commitments,” the briefing note reads.

It adds that funding deficits are “particularly acute” for public transport projects between 2026 and 2030 due to major projects like Metrolink and Dart+ entering construction.

However, it says that, even with an “assumed enhancement” of funding, there will need to be a prioritisation of investment.

'Struggling' department

The briefing also raises concerns about funding allocated towards existing public transport services, highlighting that the department is “struggling to fund existing levels of service” amid expansion of new services and retaining a 20% fare cut.

“Despite increased exchequer funding in recent years, the funding allocated toward the programme at the start of financial years has not been sufficient to meet programme costs, and the programme has required a supplementary estimate in each of the most recent years,” it says.

The note says that the issue “warrants further detailed examination and discussion” with the Department of Public Expenditure to develop a “sustainable pathway” in the years ahead.

There are several sections of the briefing document dedicated to Metrolink, but there are significant redactions made.

It says that Metrolink will be one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of the State, adding that it’s delivery cannot “be treated as business as usual” for it to be successful.

The briefing does not set out when construction may begin on the Metrolink project, saying that it is “TBC”.

Meanwhile, the briefing also outlines the increase in passenger numbers on public transport routes across the country.

It says the number of people using public service obligation routes, like Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus, surpassed 1m passengers in a single day for the first time ever in October 2024.

Meanwhile, the briefing provides details of the emergency planning department — which falls under the minister's portfolio — having carried out its first mass/casualty/mass fatality exercise called Exercise Danube.

The whole of government exercise involved a mass casualty/mass fatality train derailment scenario.