Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 May 2004
128 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the role his Department has in the possible extension of the Sandyford Luas line to Cherrywood; when he expects this project to be approved; the length of the planning and construction of the line will take; and the funding sources that are likely to be used to finance the project. [12540/04]
View answerI have not received any proposals from the Railway Procurement Agency to extend the Luas to Cherrywood. I understand that discussions have taken place between the Railway Procurement Agency and a group of developers who own much of the developable land in the catchment area of the potential extension. I also understand that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is supportive of the proposal and has put a planning levy scheme in place to partially fund the development.
If discussions between the developers and the RPA are successful, the RPA would then be in a position to submit a business plan in respect of the project. Subject to a satisfactory plan being developed, it is anticipated that the RPA would be in a position to make an application to me for a railway order. The RPA expects the construction phase of the project to be completed approximately three years after the date of granting of the necessary railway order, in the event of it going ahead.
