Mr. Hugh Creegan:

Two items on MetroLink got some coverage today. One was about the possible change to a single bore tunnel layout as opposed to a twin tube tunnel and the other relates to Na Fianna grounds on Mobhi Road.

We identified in the MetroLink public consultation document that one of the options still being assessed by us is the use of one large or single bore tunnel instead of two smaller tunnels. Since that publication work has continued on assessing that proposal and at this stage it is likely but not certain that we will propose a single bore tunnel. A final decision has not yet been made on this issue. However, if we do adopt a single bore tunnel arrangement it would then be the position that we would no longer need to operate a tunnel boring site at the Griffith Park station location which is on Mobhi Road. The construction works for a station at this site would still be required but would be of a shorter duration than would have been required to service the tunnel boring operations.

In regard to Na Fianna grounds, since the conclusion of the public consultation last month we have been assessing the submissions received and the various issues raised in them. We have met with Na Fianna and Home Farm which is adjacent to it and with adjacent schools and have discussed various issues and options with all of them. We undertook to assess and evaluate these options further and then to engage in further dialogue with those organisations when we had advanced that work. That assessment work is ongoing. No decisions on any options at this location has yet been made. We intend to hold further meetings with Na Fianna, Home Farm and adjacent schools when we have sufficient work completed to engage productively. We then expect to publish any revisions to the MetroLink proposal in August.