Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 92: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of proposals for Luas or light rail systems in Cork, Galway and Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39839/08]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 129: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress to date on feasibility studies into Luas style light rail transit systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, as promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39913/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 129 together.

We made a commitment to have an investigation of Luas light rail systems for Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, within two years. I asked the city authorities to carry out those studies. The Cork study is being carried out under CASP, the Cork area strategic plan, and is now substantially complete. In the case of Limerick, a tendering process is being conducted for consultants to carry out the examination and feasibility of an LRT-BRT in the context of the mid-west region. Galway City Council is also in the process of tendering for consultants to carry out a study of LRT-BRT for the city. Waterford City Council is finalising the appointment of a consultant to carry out a feasibility study. Apart from Cork, consultants are being appointed and expect to produce these reports within the two years' framework.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When will the feasibility studies be published? Many people have worked very hard on those projects. I note the Green Party gave an absolute commitment to the people of those four cities to provide light rail systems and so far we have seen nothing only hot air.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A commitment to the children of the country.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The quicker they are built the better.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for a brief final reply.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Agreed.