Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:
27
Ms O'Sullivan
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
the difficulties, if any, reported to her by the Light Rail Advisory Action Group or CIÉ in relation to the Luas project; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[12996/99]
To date I have not received reports of any difficulties in relation to the Dublin light rail project from the Light Rail Advisory Action Group. However, I understand that the group will be submitting a report to me in the near future.
In submitting cost estimates to me recently in respect of the Tallaght to Abbey Street line, CIE expressed concerns about the potential overall cost of the light rail project. I and my Department subsequently sought clarification of those concerns from CIE and we await a full response. The estimate submitted by CIE in respect of the Tallaght to Abbey Street line is currently being evaluated by Halcrow-McCarthy who have been engaged as consultants to assist the light rail monitoring committee, comprising representatives of my Department, the Department of Finance and CIE.
Following completion of this detailed assessment it is my intention to seek Government approval for a firm capital budget for the Tallaght line and to appraise the Government of the updated overall cost estimates for the light rail project. However, it is not realistic to seek to establish a reliable cost estimate for the northern line pending completion of a geotechnical evaluation of the underground section.
I am pleased to say that progress on the light rail project has been satisfactory. It is proceeding broadly in line with, and in some cases ahead of, the indicative timetable that I outlined in May 1998.
I made a light railway order in respect of the Tallaght to Abbey Street line last March. No application for a judicial review was received within the two months specified in the legislation and CIE can now proceed with securing tenders to allow construction to commence. The target date for the commencement of construction is spring 2000 and the line is expected to be completed in winter 2002. I understand that some preliminary work will get under way within the coming months.
The Government has approved funding for the purchase of the first 20 trams which will operate on the Tallaght to Abbey Street line and this contract was, I understand, signed by CIE last week. The public inquiry into the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line is expected to finish today. CIE expects to be in a position to submit an application to me for a light railway order for the Abbey Street to Connolly Station line in August. The public consultation process for the Broadstone to Ballymun and Dublin Airport line began last December.
CIE will appoint consultants shortly to undertake borehole drilling and carry out a geotechnical study of the underground section of the project. This is later than I had expected and, while I have been advised that it will not significantly affect the overall timetable, I have asked that there be no delay in progressing this aspect of the work. I expect that these geotechnical studies will be completed about end year.
