Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Many people were glad to see the beginning of the outline tendering process for DART underground starting today. Has the 2004-14 light rail investment strategy been totally shelved by the Government? While I accept the point the Minister made about commercial costings, could there not be a general report to the Dáil on indicative costings in regard to major transport projects?

In regard to Luas, what is happening to line D and Broadstone? At what stage is that? At what stage is the Lucan Luas, a major project the Railway Procurement Agency is progressing?

The Minister referred to DART underground and metro north. What is the current status of the two final bids for metro from the Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express? I do not expect the Minister to give me costings or prices but a general timeframe. When will we know whether the Celtic Metro Group or Metro Express has won the contract?

We have been getting ready for the big dig at College Green. Has the Minister had any meetings recently with the Dublin city manager, John Tierney, and the other stakeholders in order to progress this?

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