Rail Network.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

Questions (252, 253)

Joan Burton

Question:

284 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress made towards delivery of DART underground; 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. [43203/09]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Iarnród Eireann is continuing to progress the planning and design of the DART Underground. I understand from Iarnród Eireann that an application for a railway order for the DART Underground will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in early 2010. It is intended to procure the DART Underground project as a PPP. Iarnród Eireann is planning to commence the formal procurement process during 2010. €404 million was allocated to Iarnród Eireann, following the supplementary Budget in April, to progress the rail safety and development programme, including the DART Underground project. I understand from Iarnród Eireann that the estimated outturn for expenditure on the DART Underground project is approximately €15 million. Decisions on the Exchequer allocation for future years will be taken as part of the Estimates process for each year. The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning, such as the DART Underground, will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

Joan Burton

Question:

285 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date towards delivery of the first phase of the Navan train line spur; 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. [43204/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Iarnród Eireann is continuing to progress the development of the Navan Rail Link. As I have previously advised the House, work commenced on the construction of the Clonsilla — Pace section (Phase 1) in December 2008 and is on target for delivery next year. €404 million was allocated to Iarnród Éireann, following the supplementary Budget in April, to progress the rail safety and development programme, including the Navan Rail Link (Phase 1) project. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that the estimated outturn for expenditure on the Navan Rail Link (Phase 1) project is approximately €37 million. Decisions on the Exchequer allocation for future years will be taken as part of the Estimates process for each year.