Vol. 568 No. 1
599 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a copy of the document, Cabra Transport Initiative; if he will arrange to have the proposals contained in the submission examined by the appropriate authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15164/03]
I have received from Cabra Community Council its proposals for the development of a rail link from central Dublin through Cabra junction linking the Dublin-Maynooth line, Dublin Airport and Swords, including connections with Heuston Station and the Luas. The Dublin Transportation Office strategy, A Platform for Change, is the accepted blueprint of the transport needs for the greater Dublin area. The proposal for a metro in Dublin is part of the DTO's strategy. Phase 1 of the metro involves a line from Blanchardstown and Dublin Airport to the city centre and to Shanganagh.
The Railway Procurement Agency – RPA – charged with procuring the metro, has concentrated its work on developing the outline business case for phase 1. In addition, Iarnród Éireann has submitted a preliminary proposal for a heavy rail link from Connolly Station to the airport. The outline business case for phase 1 of the metro has been received from the RPA and I intend to bring recommendations to the Government in the coming weeks, including an assessment of the heavy rail link.
600 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the schedule now being followed in respect of the Luas line to Tallaght; when he expects the service to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15165/03]
Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Luas project rests with the Railway Procurement Agency. However, I understand from the RPA that, based on its projections, commencement of passengers services will be as follows: August 2004 for the Tallaght to Connolly Station line; and June 2004 for the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line. These dates allow for testing, commissioning and general safety checking before passenger services commence. I have conveyed my concerns about the importance of this timetable being met to the RPA and asked that all of the necessary steps be taken to ensure that services commence at the earliest possible date.
