Vol. 568 No. 5
376 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his dealings with the Railway Procurement Agency in respect of the effect of the Luas project on the Red Cow junction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16586/03]
The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, the State body responsible for the Luas project, engaged in detailed discussion with the National Roads Authority and South Dublin County Council regarding the interaction between the Luas trams and other traffic at the Red Cow junction prior to the application for a railway order for the construction of Luas. Agreement was reached between the agencies and implementation of the approved plans is currently under way. It is the view of the RPA and that Luas will not have a negative impact on overall traffic conditions at this junction.
The provision of a park and ride and bus interchange at the Red Cow stop is an important element of the Luas project. My Department has appointed an independent adviser to report on optimum access to the site, taking into consideration the views of the RPA, the Dublin Transportation Office, the National Roads Authority and South Dublin County Council, as well as Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann, regarding access for road vehicles and the option which would offer most value for money. I have recently received the adviser's report and I am currently considering its findings.
