Skip to main content
Normal View

Light Rail Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Questions (24, 31)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

24. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the development of the Luas cross city including an estimated time of completion, final cost; the measures planned to deal with congestion caused by construction work during the project. [22900/13]

View answer

Michael McGrath

Question:

31. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timetable for the completion of the Luas cross city project; the amount the project will cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22990/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 31 together.

These questions relate to the Cross City Luas project. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the proposed Luas Cross City line. This line is a priority project under the Government's five-year capital plan, which is known as the Infrastructure & Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016 under the Medium-Term Exchequer Framework.  In November 2012, following consideration by the Government, I asked the NTA and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to proceed with the procurement and contractual arrangements so the enabling works for the project would commence by mid-2013 at the latest. I understand that work has already commenced on a building condition survey which will establish a baseline record of the condition of properties along the Luas Cross City line. The procurement process for the advance works, such as Heritage Works, Cellars Investigation and Utility Diversions, is also well advanced. The award of Heritage and Cellars Investigation contracts is imminent, with work targeted to begin in June 2013. The tender documents for the Utility Diversions Contracts were also issued recently. These works are due to start in September or October 2013.

A Traffic Forum has been established for the project comprising representatives of the RPA, the NTA, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and Dublin Bus. The primary role of the Traffic Forum is to develop traffic management arrangements aimed at minimising the construction impacts of the new Luas line on all road users. I understand that traffic management plans for the various works elements are progressing well and are being considered at the Traffic Forum meetings. There will also be ongoing local liaison arrangements as the project proceeds. I have established a Project Group to address at a strategic level issues which arise during delivery of the project.  The group, which I chair and has met on two occasions, and will enable me to liaise directly with key stakeholders including business representatives and will ensure I am informed of any significant traffic management issues affecting the delivery of the project. A dedicated Luas Cross City website will be launched shortly. The estimated cost of the project is €368 million, which includes almost €20 million that has been spent to date. Funding has been included in my Department's capital allocation to 2016 to cover the cost of commencing the main construction works in 2015 and for pre-construction enabling works in 2013 and 2014.  The project is scheduled for completion in late 2017.

Top
Share