To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the reason for the ongoing delays in the commencement of the LUAS line to join the two existing lines; if he will intervene to ensure a speedy decision on the precise route; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Olivia Mitchell.
For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 3rd October, 2007.
Ref No: 22052/07 Proof: 94
Answered by the Minister for Transport
(Noel Dempsey T.D.)
REPLY
The Board of the RPA decided earlier this year on a preferred route option for the cross-city Luas line. Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the public, the RPA are now planning detailed design work on the project based on this option. Dublin City Council are undertaking a traffic modelling exercise as part of their examination of revised traffic management arrangements in the city, which will be required not only for the delivery of the cross-city Luas line but also Metro North.
In this context, the RPA is also considering ways of streamlining and combining works on the cross-city Luas Line and the construction of Metro North in order to minimise disruption to the City Centre.
Following completion of design work, consideration of combining work on both projects, and subject to a satisfactory outcome to the city centre traffic management planning work, the RPA will submit a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. The construction timescale will be dependent on the outcome of this statutory approval process.
