John Perry
Question:81 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the completion of Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23046/03]
Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
Paul Kehoe
Question:120 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the completion of the Luas construction works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23047/03]
Olwyn Enright
Question:155 Ms Enright 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. [23064/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 120 and 155 together.
The Railway Procurement Agency has advised that, based on its projections, the current 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 commence. I have conveyed my concerns about the delays to the RPA and have asked that all of the necessary steps be taken to ensure that services commence at the earliest possible date. The commencement dates for passenger services are August 2004 for the Tallaght to Connolly line and June 2004 for the Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green line.