Fergus O'Dowd
Question:104 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the total projected cost of the Dublin metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18335/02]
Written Answers. - Rail Network.
Gay Mitchell
Question:116 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to develop a heavy rail link to Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18309/02]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:124 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the Dublin metro project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18308/02]
Seán Ryan
Question:133 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for a rail link to Dublin Airport; the way in which it is intended to decide on the route for the link; the way in which it is intended to finance the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18227/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 116, 124 and 133 together.
The proposal to develop a metro in Dublin forms an essential part of the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy document "A Platform for Change 2000-2016". The DTO considered that a metro based system, as distinct from a heavy rail link, represented the best option for serving Dublin Airport with a rail-based public transport link. The DTO estimated the capital cost of the metro at €7.2 billion in 2001 prices. In January 2002, the Government approved the commencement of the procurement process for phase one of the Dublin metro involving a line from Dublin Airport and Blanchardstown to the city centre and Shanganagh. The metro is to be developed by the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, as a public private partnership. The RPA has been carrying out all the necessary preparatory work for phase one and a notice requesting expressions of interest was placed in relevant publications in April of this year. Over 30 responses were received from interested companies and consortia. The RPA subsequently carried out a market consultation exercise with the respondents. The RPA is now developing the business case for phase one of the metro. The business case, which will include a cost benefit analysis, a financing model, system and route options, and the estimated cost over the lifetime of the project, is to be presented to me in the coming weeks and I will then assess these proposals.