Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Richard Bruton

Question:

402 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of the Luas Project when it was first considered for approval; the cost when a tender was first approved; and the latest estimate of its expected completed cost. [4771/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

Based on preliminary estimates submitted by CIE, the initial budget for the Luas project was €466 million in 1999 prices.

In February 2001, the budget for the project was revised to €675 million to take account of the actual tender prices received, high inflation in the construction sector, changes to the scope of the project including the upgrading of line B to Metro status, and higher than anticipated property acquisition costs.

A further revision took place in late 2002 and the budget now in place is €691 million. In addition, the Railway Procurement Agency, the body now charged with responsibility for completing the Luas has indicated that some further amendments to the budget may be required as the various elements of the project are completed and contingency funding is in place for such an eventuality.