Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Constituents in north County Dublin will be concerned by the Minister's statement that "no substantial changes" to the metro north plan are envisaged. The Minister for Finance's comments during the summer on the importance of assessing value for money have given rise to grave concerns. There is a general understanding of the need to assess the costs of all infrastructural projects, but comments by the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, suggested he was less than committed to the project.

Will the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, offer a categorical guarantee that the railway order, as publicly presented, for a metro line of 18 km running from north of Swords to St. Stephen's Green will go ahead as planned and as close as possible to the timetable? That is the assurance people seek. The Minister has said there will be no substantial changes to the project. Can he offer an assurance that the plan will not be altered so that instead of a metro system, we are given a right rail system, super busway or something else? Can the Minister guarantee there will be no scaling back in this regard?

What costs have been expended in 2008 in regard to the metro project? What will happen in 2009 and into 2010 and 2011 in regard to planning costs? As I understand it, the four applicants who now have until 21 February 2009 to submit the first tenders have all budgeted on the basis the "big dig" will start in late 2011. Has the Minister discussed this project with his Green Party colleagues? Has he had a specific discussion with the Minister for Finance? Has the Minister called on the Railway Procurement Agency to discuss any possible changes to the metro north project?

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