Austin Currie
Question:210 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the timescale for the planning phase of the Luas and metro lines for west Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28832/01]
Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
The first Luas line from Tallaght to Connolly Station is on target for completion and commencement of passenger services by the end of 2003. I will bring proposals to Government in the coming weeks for the development of the metro. In terms of services to the west side of the city, it is likely that the first phase of the system will include construction of a line from Blanchardstown and Dublin Airport to the city centre. I hope the procurement process for this line can begin shortly thereafter. The line will be procured as a public private partnership and, therefore, the precise route alignment, cost and timescale will be negotiated as part of this process. Information available to me suggests that the services could begin by 2006-07.
The Dublin Transportation Office has also proposed an extension of the Luas network covering various parts of Dublin, including a line from Lucan to the city centre. While initial planning and preliminary public consultation work on these lines has commenced, no formal dates for commencement of construction have yet been determined. In the case of the metro, the line from Blanchardstown through Clondalkin and Tallaght to the city centre will be considered as a second phase.