Vol. 507 No. 1
49 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her decision to put Luas underground in the city was prompted by meetings she had with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, AA, SIMI and other organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16164/99]
50 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the recent discussions, if any, she has had with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on the proposals for Luas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16165/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.
The Government's decision of 5 May 1998 to proceed with an expanded and enhanced Dublin light rail system was not prompted by meetings with the organisations referred to by the Deputy. The reasons for the decision were set out in detail in debates in both Houses of the Oireachtas. In considering its decision, the Government took account of the views of a wide range of organisations, some favouring the underground option and others not.
I have not had any recent discussions with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on the Luas project.
