Richard Bruton
Ceist:445 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether rules for evaluation, approval, monitoring and correction have been observed in respect of the LUAS project. [20896/03]
Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.
The Railway Procurement Agency, which is responsible for the delivery of the LUAS project, has confirmed to me that the agency complies with the requirements of the code of practice for the governance of State bodies, including conformity with the guidelines for the appraisal and management of capital expenditure in the public sector. In addition, a Light Rail Monitoring Committee is in place comprised of representatives of my Department, the Department of Finance and the Railway Procurement Agency. It is assisted by independent technical experts who report to the Department on a monthly basis. The Railway Procurement Agency also reports on programme and budgetary issues to my Department on a monthly basis. My Department continuously reviews this and other information on the LUAS project to ensure that the highest standards of project management are adhered to by the agency.
The Department of Transport reported to Government at critical stages of the LUAS project. This included reporting on physical progress and budgetary considerations.
The RPA have informed me that LUAS passenger services will commence in summer 2004 and that the project is within the €691 million budget and risk provision, as notified to the Government in 2002.