Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Since 1 December 2009, the implementation of Metro North is a matter for the National Transport Authority. My Department's policy on the release of cost and economic information on transport projects is designed to protect the taxpayer's interest. There is a balance to be struck between promoting public transparency and ensuring value for money in this regard.

The Railway Procurement Agency is currently involved in an ongoing PPP procurement process for Metro North with two bidding groups. There is a risk that releasing any information on tenders received in regard to Metro North would provide an indication of what the State is prepared to pay for the project. Bidders involved in the project could then focus their final bids at that level instead of at the lowest price at which they can deliver the project. 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 to the taxpayer of delivering this project. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has made available on its website a redacted version of the most up-to-date business case for metro north. The NTA has had the business case independently reviewed and has confirmed that the cost-benefit analysis for the project remains strong. My Department and the implementing agencies have undertaken to provide relevant economic and financial information on projects at an appropriate time but without compromising the commercial sensitivity attached to the projects.

See this speech in context