To ask the Minister for Transport the progress to date to extend the two existing LUAS lines at Cherrywood and at the Docklands; the progress that has been made in negotiating PPPs to fund these extensions; the nature of the difficulty in attracting private investment to fund these extensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Pat Breen. (Nominated by: Olivia Mitchell).
For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 2nd November, 2004.
Ref No: 27015/04 Lottery: 86
Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Martin Cullen)
REPLY
The further development of the Luas network is the responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA).
The RPA is at present advancing plans for extensions of Luas to the Docklands and Cherrywood. These plans will include private sector funding captured through levies from developers who own land along a proposed route. I understand from the RPA that good progress is being made in the negotiations with developers and the relevant local authorities - Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council - with regard to these extensions.
At present, my Department is awaiting business plans from the RPA in order to assist in its evaluation of both extensions.
