Construction of the Luas line from Tallaght to Connolly Station – line A/C – is progressing and significant milestones for the project have already been achieved. The depot at Red Cow is now complete and the 26 trams for the Tallaght line have been delivered. Testing and commissioning of part of the system has commenced. Most, if not all, of the main engineering works are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Passenger services will commence in August 2004.
In relation to the Deputy's concerns about the Red Cow roundabout in the context of Luas, the Railway Procurement Agency has informed me that alignment of the tram path at the roundabout was the subject of detailed discussions with the National Roads Authority and South Dublin County Council prior to the granting of an order to construct the Tallaght to Connolly Station line. This followed detailed consideration at the public inquiry held into the proposals put forward by the then CIE light rail project office, whose work was subsequently taken over by the RPA. The RPA's view is that Luas will have no negative impact on traffic conditions at this roundabout.