Vol. 544 No. 3
208 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when a decision on the awarding of the contract for the operation of the Luas light rail system will be made; if she will provide details on the companies bidding and those who will be responsible for assessing the bids from these prospective operators; and the contract period in question. [28747/01]
Following the Government decision that the operating licence for the first light rail lines should be awarded following a competitive tendering process, my Department engaged consultants, Masons Solicitors, Booz-Allen & Hamilton and Babtie Group Limited, to design and conduct the competition in accordance with EU public procurement rules. The consultants are reporting to a steering committee comprising officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the light rail project office of CIE. An independent process auditor has also been appointed.
The procurement process began in December 2000 and attracted interest from a number of Irish and international companies. I understand that three bidders remain in contention at this stage and it is hoped that a preferred bidder will be selected, after the completion of detailed negotiations, before the end of 2001. It is expected that the contract will be awarded by end January 2002. When the preferred bidder is selected, the consultants' recommendation will be referred to me for decision regarding the award of the contract. The contract is to be of five years duration, from the commencement of passenger services, with an option to extend, at the end of that period, for a further five years.
