I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 93, 100, 102, 117 and 121 together.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a metro with a link to Dublin Airport. I have received the revised outline business case for line 1 of the metro from the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, which involves a line from the airport to the city centre. I am currently finalising my proposals on the metro in the context of the wider transport needs of the greater Dublin area. I expect to bring these proposals to the Government shortly.
I understand that the metro would take approximately four years to build. However, as the project would be a public private partnership, there is a strong incentive for the bidders to minimise the construction period as payment will not commence until the service is in operation.
The precise route, number of stations and hence costs would depend on a number of factors, including the Government decision; geotechnical surveys; negotiations with bidders; and railway order process, including the public inquiry. In preparing a submission for the Government on this matter, the merits of all alternative solutions and routes will be considered. Again, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of these alternatives in advance of Government deliberations on the matter.