Vol. 568 No. 1
615 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will raise with the Railway Procurement Agency the serious concerns of the Tallaght community that no consultation is ongoing with the Luas project team regarding forward planning for park and ride facilities when Luas is running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/03]
The proposals for the provision of park and ride facilities on the Luas Tallaght line were incorporated in the plans that accompanied the light railway order application made in respect of Luas line A in 1998. The proposals were considered at the line A public inquiry on foot of which a light railway order was made.
I understand from the Railway Procurement Agency, the body with responsibility for the construction of the Luas project, that the issue of the risk of unregulated parking problems arising at stops at which park and ride facilities are not provided was first raised some years ago by residents in the Tallaght area. The RPA has informed me that it has outlined and discussed with the Tallaght residents plans for establishing park and ride facilities as approved in the light rail order and the possible remedies which might be considered in the event of problems arising, including the introduction of parking restrictions. However, the introduction of parking permits, clearways, etc., are matters for the local council. The agency has assured me that it is willing to discuss this matter further with the Tallaght residents, to the extent that the issues fall within their remit.
616 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if the Railway Procurement Agency will provide a report on its recent meeting and ongoing contacts with Kingswood residents association, Dublin 24, regarding issues relating to the Luas project; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local community has concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/03]
As the Deputy is aware, day-to-day management of the Luas light rail project is the responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency. I understand from the RPA, however, that engineering works in the Kingswood area have been essentially completed and that significant progress has been made in implementing approved planting proposals.
The RPA has informed me that the chief executive and director of corporate services of the RPA met with representatives of the Kingswood Heights residents association recently. Following this meeting the RPA received a letter from an elected representative acting on behalf of the residents association requesting a further meeting. The RPA has assured me it will respond positively in relation to this request.
