Vol. 503 No. 1
58 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the difficulties, if any, reported to her, either by the Light Rail Advisory Action Group or CIE, in relation to the Luas project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9153/99]
I have had no reports of difficulties from CIE or the light rail advisory and action group in relation to the Luas project.
I am pleased to say that there has been significant progress in relation to the project since the Government decision last May. I made a light railway order in respect of the Tallaght to Abbey Street light rail line on 1 March 1999. A public inquiry on the application for a light railway order in respect of the St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford light rail line is due to commence on 13 April with a preliminary hearing on 6 April. Public consultation in relation to the various route options for the light rail line from Broadstone to Ballymun and the airport was launched on 18 December 1998. A public consultation document was published in February setting out the route options for the Abbey Street to Connolly Station line and I expect an application for a light railway order for this line to be submitted at the end of August.
