Róisín Shortall
Question:157 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the status of the metro proposals; the way in which he intends to select the route; and when he intends to bring firm proposals to Cabinet. [11236/03]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Last year, the Government agreed that the development of the Dublin metro should be undertaken on a phased basis and as a public private partnership or PPP. The proposal for a metro in Dublin is part of the Dublin Transportation Office's strategy, "A Platform for Change". Phase 1 of the metro involves a line from Blanchardstown and Dublin Airport to the city centre and to Shanganagh. Since then, the Railway Procurement Agency or RPA has concentrated its work on developing the outline business case for phase 1. The RPA has also conducted a preliminary public consultation and a pre-qualification exercise for potential bidders.
In November 2002, my Department received the outline business case or OBC for phase 1 from the RPA. The OBC includes cost benefit analyses, a financing model, system options, a number of route alignment options, the estimated cost over the lifetime of the project and the estimated time scales involved. My Department is examining all elements of the OBC at present and, in particular, is in discussion with the RPA regarding the scope for reducing the costs involved. The possible effects which a project of this scale may have on the overall Exchequer finances and Ireland's obligations under the EU stability and growth pact are also being examined at present. No conclusions have yet been reached in this regard.
Last month I visited Madrid to see and hear, at first hand, the approach that the authorities there are taking to the extension of their metro system. I was impressed with the short delivery time that has been achieved in Madrid and with the comparatively low outturn costs quoted to me. As a result, I have asked my Department to examine the cost comparisons and the regulatory procedures applied in Madrid to determine if they can be adapted for this country and so contribute to reducing the cost and delivery time for critical infrastructure projects.
Following completion of the evaluation of the outline business case and the other work referred to, I intend to bring my recommendations to the Government in the near future, including route selection, regarding the development of the metro.