To ask the Minister for Transport the budget provided for Metro North in 2009; and the aspects of the project which will proceed in 2009.
- Róisín Shortall.
For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 18th December, 2008.
Ref No: 47516/08
Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Noel Dempsey)
REPLY
Metro North is being delivered as a Public Private Patrnership (PPP). In January of this year, the Government approved the funding structure for the Metro North PPP, including an Exchequer provision for advance works ahead of the main PPP contract and a capital contribution during construction.
Good progress is being made in the delivery of Metro North. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) lodged copies of the Railway Order application for Metro North with An Bórd Pleanála in September 2008. In addition, the RPA continues to make good progress on the PPP tender process for Metro North. Receipt of tenders is now required by 6 February 2009.
I have allocated in excess of €200m to the RPA to progress Luas and Metro projects, including Metro North, in 2009. The amount of expenditure on Metro North in 2009 is contingent on the grant of an enforceable railway order.
