Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

89 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the latest position regarding the extension of the Luas to the northside of Dublin; the results of the latest consultation process; if a route outline has yet been decided; if a timetable for completion of work has been finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20837/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The Dublin Transportation Office's long-term strategic plan, A Platform for Change, for public transport in the greater Dublin area includes proposals for the extension of the light rail network to the northside of Dublin, as well as for the development of a metro system.

The development of the metro line, from the airport and Blanchardstown to the city centre, is being progressed as a matter of priority. The light rail project office of CIE has recently completed a successful public consultation exercise regarding this line. Submissions were received from over 200 groups and individuals and these submissions will be considered during the development of the route alignments. My Department has also consulted the market regarding a framework for developing the metro line on a public private partnership basis. The responses received from a significant number of interested parties are being assessed at present.

I will bring specific proposals to the Government in the coming weeks on the development of the metro with a view to initiating the procurement process before the end of the year.

The proposals for a light rail system are based on a line from the city centre to Ballymun via Whitehall and to extend this line to Sillogue by 2010. A further spur from Whitehall to Kilbarrack is also proposed by 2010. These proposals are currently being evaluated by the light rail project office of CIE.