Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 2

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

96 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport the contractual completion date for the three Luas lines; the actual expected completion date for each of the three lines; the original estimate of the cost of three lines; the estimated cost at the latest date for which figures are available; if it is expected that the contingency fund will have to be used to fund the remaining stages of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13681/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Construction of the two Luas lines from Tallaght to Connolly Station – lines A and C – and from Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green – Line B – is progressing and significant milestones for the project have already been achieved.

Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Luas project rests with the Railway Procurement Agency. The detail of individual contracts is a matter for the agency. I understand from the agency, however, that the contractual completion dates – October 2003 for lines A and C and December 2003 for line B – will not be met and that the contractor involved has indicated that a 16-week delay can be expected. The RPA has told me that, based on its projections, a more realistic timetable for completion is May 2004 for the Tallaght to Connolly Station line and March 2004 for the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line. A period of up to three months will be required following these dates for testing, commissioning and general safety checking before passenger services can commence. I have conveyed my concerns about the delays to the RPA and I have asked that the necessary steps be taken to ensure that services commence at the earliest possible date.

The initial budget submitted to the Department by CIE for the project was €466 million in 1999 prices, based on preliminary estimates. This budget was subsequently revised in February 2001 to €675 million to take account of actual competitive tender prices received, reflecting high inflation in the construction sector, higher than anticipated property acquisition costs and changes to the scope of the project, mainly related to the upgrading of line B to metro status. Capital funding for the construction of the lines, estimated currently at €691 million, is in place. The RPA has also made provision for risk. I do not wish to give any further details of the risk provision, for contractual reasons, as to do so could prejudice ongoing negotiations with contractors in this regard.