Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Does the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, agree that the kind of speculation and alleged leaks regarding serious changes to, or the termination of, the project are damaging to the process? As the Minister is aware, by the time the number of bidders is reduced to two tenders, very significant spending will have taken place. The Minister has given no indication of RPA spending in this area throughout the tendering process, which is a key factor. Already, State expenditure is underway.

Has the Minister discussed the matters outlined in the environmental impact statement, EIS, with Dublin City Manager, Mr. John Tierney, who, the Minister says, is the man in charge of the "big dig"? The EIS, which can be studied in Fingal Council and Dublin City Hall, includes such issues as the removal of Dan O'Connell's statue and various other changes necessary for the "big dig" to take place. Has the Minister spoken to the city manager and asked for a scoping programme through the digging?

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