Vol. 575 No. 1
61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding plans for the construction of a metro system in Dublin; the estimated cost; the likely timeframe for construction and completion; when the route will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27824/03]
89 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to bring the outline business case model for the introduction of the first phase of the metro to the Cabinet for a decision; if he does not succeed in securing Cabinet approval for such a project, the process he intends to undertake to review other options for the development of rail based public transport projects in the capital; and if he will also then review the Dublin Transport Office's Platform for Change plan which has been accepted by the Government as a blueprint for the development of transport in the capital. [27801/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 89 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a Metro with a link to Dublin Airport. I have received the outline business case for phase 1 from the Railway Procurement Agency, which involves a line from the airport to the city centre. This business case contains commercially sensitive information, which the RPA regards as confidential and which, they believe, if made available to outside interests, could influence potential bidders for the project in a way which could run counter to the interests of the Exchequer. The Railway Procurement Agency has, therefore, indicated to me that there are aspects of the business case which they wish to remain confidential between the RPA and my Department and I now accept this.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport has recently commissioned a report on the metro. My Department, the Railway Procurement Agency and the Dublin Transportation Office have met with the consultants who are assisting the committee. I understand that the committee's report will be completed shortly and I look forward to receiving it and taking account of the views of the committee before bringing my proposals on the metro to the Government in the coming weeks.
In preparing a submission for the Government on this matter I will have considered the viability of all alternative solutions. Again, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of these alternatives in advance of Government deliberations on the matter.
Platform for Change provides an overall planning framework for the development of the transport system in the greater Dublin area. It is not a detailed blueprint for each of the individual projects and programmes being considered for implementation. It is the responsibility of the Dublin Transportation Office to keep the framework under continuing review and to advise on updating when required.
