Olivia Mitchell
Question:101 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when the Luas lines will be opened up to commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13722/03]
Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:118 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the timescale for the opening of the Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13721/03]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:120 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the timescale for the opening of the Sandyford Luas line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13724/03]
John Perry
Question:132 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the timescale for the opening of the Tallaght Luas line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13723/03]
Trevor Sargent
Question:149 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport when the first paying passengers will be carried on both the Sandyford and the Tallaght Luas lines. [13658/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 118, 120, 132 and 149 together.
Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Luas project rests with the Railway Procurement Agency. I understand from the agency that the contractual completion dates of October 2003 for the Tallaght to Connolly Station lines – lines A and C – and December 2003 for the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line – line B – will not be met and that the contractor involved has indicated that delays can be expected. The RPA has told me that, based on its projections, a more realistic timetable for completion would be March 2004 for the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line and May 2004 for the Tallaght to Connolly Station line. The RPA is in negotiation with the contractor as regards the consequences of these delays. 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.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 98.