Simon Coveney
Question:102 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the total cost to date of the mini-CTC signalling system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18306/02]
Written Answers. - Rail Signalling System.
Simon Coveney
Question:148 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the total budgeted cost of completing the mini-CTC signalling system; the initial projected cost of the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18307/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 148 together.
The EU Commission approved co-financed investment towards the original project on 29 July 1996 from the EU Cohesion Fund. The Cohesion Fund assisted the project at an 85% aid rate. The cost was then stated as IR£14 million. The contract to deliver the mini CTC project was terminated in June 2001. Costs of €21.4 million had been incurred under the contract. The board of CIE approved, in December 2001, a revised proposal to deliver a mini CTC signalling system, using in-house resources. The estimated cost of delivering the revised project is €44.4 million. I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the mini CTC system on the Galway line is due to be completed in June 2003, with the Waterford, Tralee and Sligo lines due for completion in August 2004, March 2005 and December 2005 respectively. I have been advised that the revised project is proceeding satisfactorily to date.