Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013
27. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the cost to date of the Luas cross-city project, including the renting and staffing of the public office and the current estimated time for completion. [54260/13]
View answer53. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Luas cross-city project. [54330/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 53 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the Luas Cross City project, comes within the remit of the NTA.
However for the Deputy's information, the project is progressing well and the essential advance works are underway. The building condition works along the Luas Cross City corridor have been completed and the Cellars Infill works are well advanced. The Utilities Works Contract has also been awarded and the substantive work under this contract will commence in January 2014.
In relation to the main infrastructure contract, I am informed that there have been five responses to the EU Official Journal Notice seeking advance expressions of interest. These are currently being assessed. The next phase of the tender process will continue after the current short-listing phase is concluded with the aim of appointing a contractor in Q4 2014. Work on the main contract is then expected to commence in early 2015 and to be completed by the end of 2016. Following testing, commissioning and trial runs the line is currently targeted to open in Q4 2017. €27 million has been spent on the project to date.
As required under a condition attached to the Railway Order a city centre Information Office was opened on 2nd December 2013 in the Hibernian Way. I understand that the rent is €32,480 per annum plus VAT. A service charge of €13,005 per annum plus VAT also applies. Existing staff including the Communications Director for the project who is an NTA employee, and five RPA staff, two of whom are project liaison officers are now working from this office.
