TII outlines progress and plans at transport committee
Transport Infrastructure Ireland provided a comprehensive update on major road and rail projects, highlighting ongoing construction and future plans. The briefing to the Joint Committee on Transport covered developments from national roads to light rail expansions and infrastructure funding challenges.
Source:
TII & Luas Infrastructure News
•
⏱️ 2 min read
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) delivered an extensive briefing to the Joint Committee on Transport on 27 May 2026, outlining progress across its remit. Chief Executive Lorcan O’Connor, accompanied by key programme leads, emphasised ongoing major road projects including the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge, N21 Adare Bypass, and M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy, all progressing on schedule. The N2 Slane bypass faces judicial review despite planning approval, while the Galway City Ring Road and Donegal TEN T projects have recently passed significant planning milestones. New projects such as the N4 Carrick on Shannon bypass and N21 Newcastle West bypass are set to advance later this year.
On the light rail front, TII reported the Luas Finglas railway order has been granted, with public consultation underway for the Luas Cork preferred route. Plans for Luas Lucan and Luas Poolbeg are progressing, with consultations expected before early 2027. The MetroLink programme reached a crucial milestone with full planning approval in January 2026, moving swiftly into procurement for major infrastructure contracts. TII also welcomed government initiatives such as the Critical Infrastructure Bill designed to streamline planning and judicial processes, enhancing delivery certainty.
Addressing operations, TII noted increased traffic volumes on national roads, especially the M50, and highlighted funding pressures impacting maintenance and asset renewal for ageing infrastructure valued at €31 billion. Luas patronage continues to rise, with around 60 million passengers expected in 2026, necessitating expanded timetables and increased investment in asset lifecycle management. The organisation also reiterated its commitment to road safety programmes, greenway development, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the ZEVI strategy. TII stressed collaboration with government bodies and stakeholders remains central to accelerating infrastructure delivery and supporting Ireland’s transport and climate objectives.
On the light rail front, TII reported the Luas Finglas railway order has been granted, with public consultation underway for the Luas Cork preferred route. Plans for Luas Lucan and Luas Poolbeg are progressing, with consultations expected before early 2027. The MetroLink programme reached a crucial milestone with full planning approval in January 2026, moving swiftly into procurement for major infrastructure contracts. TII also welcomed government initiatives such as the Critical Infrastructure Bill designed to streamline planning and judicial processes, enhancing delivery certainty.
Addressing operations, TII noted increased traffic volumes on national roads, especially the M50, and highlighted funding pressures impacting maintenance and asset renewal for ageing infrastructure valued at €31 billion. Luas patronage continues to rise, with around 60 million passengers expected in 2026, necessitating expanded timetables and increased investment in asset lifecycle management. The organisation also reiterated its commitment to road safety programmes, greenway development, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the ZEVI strategy. TII stressed collaboration with government bodies and stakeholders remains central to accelerating infrastructure delivery and supporting Ireland’s transport and climate objectives.
1 views