The CIE project team are currently engaged in an extensive public consultation programme and in the finalisation of an application for a light railway order for the Tallaght to Dundrum route. Once I have received that application the statutory timetable set out in the Transport (Dublin Light Rail) Act, 1996, will come into effect. I expect that a public inquiry will be held early in 1997 and that project should be in a position to commence construction in the second half of 1997. This would enable the first phase to be in operation by 2001.
I have set out the position on the Ballymun route in a reply to another question on today's Order Paper.