Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

17 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if a deadline has been set for completion of the consultants study of the underground option for the Luas project; if she will give the estimated starting and completion dates for the project, in view of the delay arising from the appointment of these consultants; if she will give details of the most recent discussions she has had with the EU regarding funding for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18927/97]

Dick Spring

Question:

48 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the most recent study on Luas will be completed; if this will allow for a full drawdown of EU funds for the project; and the new timescale for starting and completing the project. [18986/97]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 48 together.

Consultants, WS Atkins International Limited, were appointed on 15 October 1997 to carry out an independent study to assess the option of putting the Dublin light rail system underground in the city centre. The study is planned to take six months and I expect to receive their report by the end of April 1998. In line with their terms of reference the consultants have already invited written inputs to their work from interested parties.

As regards the project timetable, it is reasonable to assume that if the consultancy study concluded that an on-street light rail system was the preferred option and the application for a light railway order was approved on the basis proposed by CIÉ construction could be under way early in 1999 and would take about three years to finish. On the basis of this timetable it could be possible to complete the project by end 2001. Under EU Structural Funds regulations expenditure incurred up to end 2000 is eligible for grant assistance. The Commission has a discretion to allow an extension, normally for a further year. Such a decision would facilitate the full draw down of EU funds in respect of the project, based on an end 2001 completion date.

If the consultancy study concluded that an underground section in the city centre was the preferred option, this would necessitate a redesign of CIÉ's current proposals and would defer completion of the project beyond 2001. The mid-term review of the Community Support Framework provides that a review of the EU funding allocated for the light rail project will take place in spring 1998 and it is anticipated that this will coincide with the completion of the underground study.

The EU Commission is being kept informed of all developments in relation to the light railway project.