Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Since 1 December 2009, the implementation of metro north has been a matter for the National Transport Authority. However, as the business case will inform the final Government approval for the project, it is appropriate to address this issue. My Department's policy on the release of cost and economic information on transport projects is designed to protect the taxpayers' interest but a balance must be struck between transparency and value for money in this regard. The project cost estimates in a business case provide an indication of what the State is prepared to pay. Bidders involved in the project may then focus their final bids at that level, instead of at the lowest price at which they can deliver the project. It is, therefore, best procurement practice not to reveal what one is prepared to pay in advance of or during a procurement process or during construction prior to the settlement of final accounts. Metro North is currently at a critical stage in the procurement process. Best and final offers will be sought by the RPA from the two short-listed public private partnership bidders once An Bord Pleanála has made a decision on the project. That decision is expected at the end of this month.

Given the reasons I have outlined, it is clear that it would not be in the public interest to release any information which has the potential to increase the cost of delivering this project. However, I should advise that an updated Metro North business case was submitted by the RPA to the National Transport Authority in July last. The NTA has reviewed this business case and has confirmed that the cost-benefit analysis for this project remains strong.

With regard to the feasibility study referred to by the Deputy, the Dublin metro alignment feasibility report, city centre to airport, prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Limited in 2004, is freely available and accessible on the RPA website, www.rpa.ie.

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