My officials have kept the EU Commission informed of all developments in relation to the project.
If the consultancy study concludes that an on-street light rail system is the preferred option and the application for a light railway order is approved on the basis proposed by CIE, construction could get under way early in 1999 and 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 drawdown of EU funds in respect of the project, based on an end 2001 completion date.
If the consultancy study concludes that an underground section in the city centre is the preferred option, this will necessitate a redesign of CIE's current proposals and will 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 next spring and it is anticipated that this will coincide with the completion of the underground study.
I have arranged a meeting with the Commissioner for Regional Policy and Cohesion, Monika Wulf-Mathies, on 28 November to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the Dublin light rail scheme.