Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 48 together.

My Department has agreed with Limerick local authorities that the terms of reference for the proposed Limerick planning, land use and transportation study will include an examination of the feasibility of introducing light rail transit and-or bus rapid transit. I understand that Limerick local authorities hope to engage consultants by the end of April 2008 to work on this study.

The Cork local authorities have, in recent weeks, commissioned consultants to update the Cork area strategic plan. At the request of my Department, the terms of reference for this update include a requirement that the review of the transportation strategies should include consideration of the feasibility of introducing light rail transit or bus rapid transit.

My Department is in discussion with the local authorities in Galway and Waterford about arrangements for studies, similar to those for Cork and Limerick, to be carried out in their areas. I raised the matter with Galway City Council recently.

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