Vol. 487 No. 6
74 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the likely timetable for the commencement and conclusion of the planned inquiry into the Luas project and for the commencement and completion of the lines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4682/98]
116 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on whether there will be further delays in furnishing the consultant's report on the future of the Luas project. [4519/98]
117 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the terms of reference for the study which has been commissioned to access the options of the Dublin light rail system; if there will be an interim report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4678/98]
124 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make contact with the consultants studying the Luas project, in view of public concern; if she will seek the earliest completion of their report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4873/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 116, 117 and 124 together.
I expect to receive the consultants' report on the option of putting the Dublin light rail system underground in the city centre at the end of April. There has been no delay to date and I have been assured by the consultants, WS Atkins Ltd., that they will meet the delivery deadline. Deputy Callely has sought a copy of the terms of reference for the study and I am happy to make them available to him.
The inspector has adjourned the inquiry pending the completion of the underground study. The timetable for the re-commencement and conclusion of that inquiry is a matter for the inspector to the inquiry and not one in which I have any function.
The position in relation to the likely commencement and completion of the light railway lines remains as set out in my reply to Question No. 17 on 12 November 1997.
I take this opportunity to reassure the House of the Government's continuing commitment to the construction of a light rail system for Dublin.
