Light Rail Project.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

Questions (250, 251)

Joan Burton

Question:

282 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date towards delivery of metro north; the level of expenditure that has been set aside for this project for preparatory work and capital investment for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the level of expenditure on this project to date for preparatory work and capital investment; the method chosen for financing this project, whether a public private partnership or otherwise; the latest target date for commencement, completion and opening of this project for use by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43201/09]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is continuing to progress the planning and procurement of Metro North. The Oral hearing on the railway order application, which was adjourned by An Bord Pleanála earlier this year, will recommence on 30 November. The project is being procured as a PPP and two tenders have been shortlisted. The next phase of procurement must await the outcome of the statutory approval. As I have stated previously the start and completion date of the project will be contingent on the statutory planning approval process and the public procurement process. The project will also be submitted to Government for a final decision at the conclusion of the procurement process.

I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 128 on 5 November in relation to expenditure to date on the project. €159 million was allocated to the RPA, following the supplementary Budget in April, to progress Luas and Metro projects, including Metro North, in 2009. I understand from the RPA that the estimated outturn for expenditure on Metro North will be approximately €30 million. Decisions on the Exchequer allocation for future years will be taken as part of the Estimates process for each year.

Joan Burton

Question:

283 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date towards delivery of metro west; the level of expenditure that has been set aside for this project for preparatory work and capital investment for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the level of expenditure on this project to date for preparatory work and capital investment; the method chosen for financing this project, whether public private partnership or otherwise; the latest target date for commencement, completion and opening of this project for use by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43202/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The Railway Procurement Agency continues to progress planning and design for Metro West. The Agency expects to lodge an application for a railway order in respect of Metro West next year. Metro West will be procured as a PPP. The start and completion dates for this project will be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The current funding environment is very difficult and it will not be possible to progress all the projects in Transport 21 in accordance with the ambitious timescale envisaged at its launch. Nevertheless, I am seeking to progress planning of Metro West to ensure we are in a position to move speedily to construction as soon as financial circumstances permit. The commencement and completion dates for this project will also be contingent on the relevant statutory planning process and the procurement and contract award processes. Expenditure incurred to end-September 2009 on Metro West is €9.4 million. €159 million was allocated to the RPA, following the supplementary Budget in April, to progress Luas and metro projects, including Metro West, in 2009. I understand from the RPA that the estimated outturn for expenditure on Metro West will be approximately €6 million. Decisions on the Exchequer allocation for future years will be taken as part of the Estimates process for each year.