Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the proposed metrolink in the national transport infrastructure plan. I live close to the Luas green line and have strongly supported such public transport initiatives. I am not a NIMBY person in any shape or form. However, the House may or may not be aware that it is proposed to incorporate the Luas green line with a metrorail system. While that may seem innocuous and fine, we have just spent €368 million in extending the Luas green line to Cabra. We are now being told that a metro system will be built at a cost of between €3 billion and €4 billion, replicating, in large measure, in the city centre access to places such as St. Stephen's Green and O’Connell Street with new underground stations. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to explain to the House how this proposal is being described to all and sundry as a public consultation process, when, from an email I received yesterday, an €18 million tender for architecture and engineering has already been awarded for the project? If it is a genuine consultation process, I would like to have some clear views on where Dublin's transport infrastructure could be alternatively served in areas such as Rathfarnham, south-west Dublin and different areas of north Dublin, as well as keeping the Luas green line. I would like to have some indication as to who made the decision to do this, why and what the alternatives are. To describe it as a public consultation process and for Transport Infrastructure Ireland executives to say they are open to discussion about the alternatives rings very hollow when one sees the detailed planning and realises an €18 million tender has already been awarded for the particular module.