Vol. 563 No. 4
513 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the schedule being followed in respect of the Luas project to Tallaght; if his attention has been drawn to the huge support in the area for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7796/03]
Construction of the Luas line from Tallaght to Connolly Station – Lines A and C – is progressing and significant milestones for the project have already been achieved. The depot at the Red Cow is now complete and the 26 trams for the Tallaght line have been delivered. Testing and commissioning has commenced.
The Railway Procurement Agency has responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Luas project and I understand from the agency that, based on progress to date and work still to be carried out, the construction of the Tallaght to Connolly Station line will be completed in May 2004. Following a period for commissioning and safety checks, it is expected that passenger services will begin in August 2004. The RPA has informed me that it is continuously monitoring the situation with the contractors to achieve the earliest possible completion dates. Public reaction to the introduction of the Luas has been very positive and I am aware that the services are eagerly awaited by the people of Tallaght and other communities along the routes that it will serve.
