Seymour Crawford
Question:85 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the progress of the Luas project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18322/02]
Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
The Railway Procurement Agency has statutory responsibility for the Luas project which involves the provision of a light rail system on lines from Tallaght to Connolly Station (Lines A/C) and from Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green (Line B). I am informed by the Agency that progress continues to be made on the project. The depot at Red Cow has been completed and the trams for Lines A/C are being delivered. Testing and commissioning is proceeding on the test track that runs from the depot to Kingswood in Tallaght.
Construction of the depot in Sandyford is on schedule for completion by early 2003 and trams for Line B will begin to arrive early next year. These trams will also undergo a period of commissioning.
In addition, almost all of the utilities diversion and enabling works have been completed and the property acquisition programme is at an advanced stage. Track laying is proceeding on both lines and overhead wiring installations will begin shortly. Following a competitive tendering process, CGEA Connex have signed a contract with the Railway Procurement Agency for the operation of services on the lines. I understand that the company is gearing itself up at present and will be in a position to begin driver training and line testing as the infrastructure becomes available to it.
Contractual completion dates for construction on the project are October 2003 for line A; December 2003 for line B and March 2004 for line C. The Railway Procurement Agency advise that the contractors have confirmed that they continue to work to these deadlines but the management of the RPA have recently conveyed to the contractors their concern about their achievability and the RPA await to hear further from the contractors.