Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Olivia Mitchell

Ceist:

190 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if it is her intention to maintain responsibility for the construction, operation and ownership of Luas with CIE; her views on whether Luas should be operated by CIE, a separate stand alone semi-State body or a private company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21456/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Under the Transport (Dublin Light Rail) Act, 1996 only CIE can procure the necessary statutory powers to construct, operate and maintain a light railway. Once it has procured those powers, it is then a matter for the company to decide the most appropriate arrangements for their discharge.

I will shortly be appointing consultants to advise me on a public-private partnership, PPP, approach to the Dublin light rail project. The consultants will advise on a number of issues including the most appropriate form of PPP for the project. Options range from design, build and transfer to design, build, finance and operate. The consultants will also advise on what amendments, if any, would be necessary to existing law to facilitate a PPP approach to the project.