Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:127 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport when the decision on whether metro north should proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36313/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 22 October 2008
Ceisteanna (128)
Freagraí scríofa
The target date for the completion of Metro North is 2013 but this is dependent on the outcome of the planning and procurement processes. A final decision on the project will be taken once the planning and procurement processes are complete.
The RPA continues to make good progress on the PPP tender process for Metro North. The initial phase of the PPP public procurement process was conducted in 2007 resulting in the formation of four pre-qualified consortia for the purpose of tendering for the project. Tender documentation was formally issued to the four pre-qualified consortia on 12th May 2008. Since then the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has held a number of meetings with the consortia. Following on from a request from some of the consortia, the RPA recently agreed to extend the closing date for submission of tenders by two months. Receipt of tenders is now required by 6 February 2009.
In addition, good progress is being made in the planning process. The RPA placed copies of the Railway Order application on display on 17 September in accordance with the 6 week statutory public notice requirement pursuant to section 37 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. I am not prepared to speculate on what might or might not happen following any particular Government decision.