Vol. 558 No. 5
319 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed Luas line D to the northside of Dublin; the preparatory work to date which has been carried out; the timescale for the remaining planning work; the timescale for the completion of this line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25181/02]
The Dublin Transportation Office strategy, entitled A Platform for Change 2000-16, contains proposals for the provision of new Luas lines and for a metro in the Dublin area. The strategy updates the previous proposals to cater for future demands for public transport services in north Dublin and supersedes the planned construction of the Luas line D.
Earlier this year the Government decided that the metro should be developed on a phased basis, with phase one involving a line from Dublin Airport and Blanchardstown through the city centre to Shanganagh. The outline business case for phase one was submitted to me recently by the Railway Procurement Agency and is being evaluated by my Department. I intend to bring proposals to Government early in the new year.
The precise route alignment of the metro has not yet been decided upon. The RPA is also considering the wider extended Luas network but specific route planning will be determined by the final decision on the alignment for the metro.
