Vol. 575 No. 3
265 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if the Luas lines at the Red Cow roundabout are designed to ensure that the operation of the Luas crossing the two slip roads to the junction will have no effect on other traffic using the roundabout; and his views on the assurances from both the National Roads Authority and the Rail Procurement Agency that the introduction of the Luas will have no effect on the traffic-carrying capacity of the junction. [28092/03]
I am engaged in detailed discussion with the NRA and the RPA with a view to ensuring an integrated response addressing traffic congestion at the Red Cow and facilitating effective operation of Luas. I have impressed on the NRA that its proposals should cater for free flow traffic movements, including southbound traffic on the M50 wishing to travel towards Naas, and the proposals should seek to reduce significantly conflicting traffic movements which are a major constraint at the Red Cow interchange.
I have also requested the NRA to establish the extent to which the rail alignment for the Luas would conflict with the road under the upgrade proposals and to consider the feasibility of separating the Luas from the road at the Red Cow Interchange.
As regards the arrangements to apply from when services commence next year, my Department has been assured by the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, and the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, that under the scheme Luas, which has its own overbridge and will travel on its own dedicated track, will have no negative implications for traffic on the Red Cow roundabout or on the traffic carrying capacity of the junction.
To establish that this is indeed the case, I have requested the RPA to commence trial testing of Luas trams at the Red Cow interchange without delay. I understand from the RPA that these trials will commence early in 2004.
Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 261.
