CIE and its consultants have been studying the issues involved and a report on this work will be published when it is completed. That raises the question of the consultative process and the way it is operating. I have always stated that there is need to address the very real concerns expressed about the development of the light rail project. The legitimate views highlighted by those contributing to the debate will be taken into account.
In launching the light rail public consultation programme last December, I invited the people of Dublin to become involved in a process designed to explain what light rail is about and the benefits it would bring. I remain determined that the consultation programme on this project will be a robust two-way process. I have insisted that the CIE project team listen carefully to concerns and opinions from all interested parties about the light rail proposals and respond to those concerns where possible.
The CIE project team has already held eight major public exhibitions around Dublin, attended by approximately 11,000 visitors. In excess of 400,000 newsletters have been distributed with information. More than 50 local community meetings have taken place to date and the number continues to increase. It is not possible to legislate in detail for such a process of consultation. To attempt to do so would mean that the consultative process would, by definition, be legalistic and bureaucratic, to use Deputy Séamus Brennan's phrase, I am conscious that the consultation process can be improved. That view is supported by representations made to me and by the many Deputies who contributed to the debate on Second Stage of the Light Rail (No. 1) Bill. I have discussed the issue further with CIE and agreed a strategy which, I expect, will overcome residual difficulties.
At a more general level, a permanent LRT office will be opened this week at the premises of Dublin Bus at 59 O'Connell Street. That office will be open each day during business hours. It is a central location where inquiries can be answered and information made available. Information on route options is a key concern to those living in areas likely to be served by light rail. Route alternatives have been developed as part of the consultation process and will continue to be developed. In some cases there is delay while the feasibility of suggestions is evaluated and maps prepared. That is unavoidable, but I have instructed CIE to publish route options as soon as possible to allow debate on the alternatives to be undertaken on an informed basis. The process has already started, with a number of options having been published in yesterday's evening newspapers. Where difficulties are encountered with particular suggestions, they will be made known.
The concerns raised during the consultation process are being taken seriously by the CIE project team. Selection of routes will not be made until the consultation process has been completed. A final decision on the routes will not be made until the formal inquiry has been held, an environmental impact evaluation completed and consideration given to submissions made to the Minister as part of the formal procedures. As part of this strategy on consultation, the report on underground options and other reports will be published and made available in the consultation process.
