Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister saying that metro north will proceed at the end of this process? The 7,000 construction jobs will be very important, as will the economic benefit to the country, particularly the greater Dublin area, Fingal and beyond. The cost is the key question. While everyone supports the project, the cost of the project must be identified as quickly as possible. We were told we could not know what this would cost because of the secrecy of the ongoing process. Does it make sense for the Comptroller and Auditor General, or some such body, to verify that the costs are in line and that the project represents good value for money? We have no doubt that metro north is important for the development of the country, the airport and Fingal but it is important that there is an accountable process, independent of the Government, to verify that costs are fair and proper.

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