Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 1

Written Answers - Rail Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

459 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if the Government intends to proceed with the planned metro system for Dublin; the anticipated dates for the start of construction and operation; the estimated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Last year, the Government agreed that the development of the Dublin metro should be undertaken on a phased basis and as a public private partnership (PPP). The proposal for a metro in Dublin is part of the Dublin Transportation Office's strategy A Platform for Change. Phase 1 of the metro involves a line from Blanchardstown and Dublin Airport to the City Centre and to Shanganagh. Since then the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has concentrated its work on developing the outline business case (OBC) for phase 1. The RPA have also conducted a preliminary public consultation and a prequalification exercise for potential bidders.

In November 2002, my Department received the OBC for phase 1 from the RPA. The OBC includes cost benefit analyses, a financing model, system options, the estimated cost over the lifetime of the project and the estimated timescales involved.

In dealing with the likely costs involved, the OBC, as well as providing estimates of direct capital costs, also outlines the effect of issues such as expected inflation, the cost of transferring risk and interest during construction. The actual costs involved will be determined by a number of factors including the route alignment chosen, the structure of the PPP and the bids received. Evidence of interest shown to date suggests that a very competi tive tendering process can be expected and this, of course, will also influence the costs.

Following completion of the evaluation of the OBC in the coming weeks, I intend to bring my recommendations to the Government. Commencement of work on the project will also be influenced by factors such as public consultation on the route alignment selected; negotiation and conclusion of the PPP contract; an independent public inquiry required under legislation before the railway order granting planning permission for any major railway works can be granted.

These issues will not arise until after the Government has considered my recommendations.

Question No. 460 answered with Question No. 148