Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 2

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Ivor Callely

Question:

61 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress of the Dublin light rail project; if she has satisfied herself that the indicative time schedule for the project will be kept; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16274/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I am satisfied that progress on the light rail project 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 signed by CIE last month.

Last week I received the inspector's report on the public inquiry into the application by CIE for a light railway order in respect of the St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford Industrial Estate light rail line. I am now considering that report together with the other relevant documentation and I will make my decision in relation to the order in due course.

I understand that 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 and is continuing.

CIE is on the point of selecting consultants to 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 by the end of the year.