Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Light Rail Project.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the quality of the drawings available to those providing the Luas works were sufficiently detailed to facilitate effective operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28029/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if contractors engaged in Luas rail works were working from final detailed drawings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28030/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

186 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the obstacles to be resolved in connection with the Luas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28031/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 186, inclusive, together.

The Railway Procurement Agency, the agency responsible for the construction of Luas, has informed me that the contract for the construction of the Luas infrastructure was awarded to AMB and is a "design and build" contract. In that type of contractual arrangement, it is the clear responsibility of the contractor to comply with the contract and to supply sufficiently detailed drawings and designs to ensure both proper construction and suitability for the intended purpose.

The principal outstanding aspect of the project remaining to be completed is the civil engineering works, and the RPA has assured me that all outstanding engineering works will be completed in time to enable passenger services to commence in June 2004 for the Sandyford line and August 2004 for the Tallaght line.