To ask the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has been briefed on the award of the contract for the running of the Luas system to a French company; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- Michael D'Arcy. (Nominated by: Jim Higgins).
For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 12th February, 2002.
Ref No: 4445/02 Lottery: 9 Proof: 55
Answered by the Minister for Public Enterprise
(Mary ORourke)
REPLY
Following the Government decision that the operating franchise for Luas should be awarded through a competitive tendering process, my Department engaged consultants to design and conduct the competition in accordance with EU public procurement rules. The consultants have been reporting to a Steering Committee, comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Finance and the Railway Procurement Agency and an independent process auditor has been overseeing the process.
The procurement process began in December 2000 and attracted interest from a number of strong candidates.
I understand that the Steering Committee is currently in the final stages of its deliberations and will be making a report to me on the matter shortly.
