Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the Phoenix Park tunnel; if he has had discussions with Irish Rail on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11030/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Irish Rail recently completed a study on the feasibility of providing an interconnector tunnel from Heuston Station to the docklands. At my request, this study also examined the question of increased use of the Phoenix Park tunnel for passenger services between Connolly and Heuston stations. The completed study has been submitted to my Department and discussions have taken place with Irish Rail, in particular, in regard to the timescale for the commencement of work on the project. The company is looking at the potential for making greater use of the Phoenix Park tunnel when the second phase of the DART upgrade programme is completed in 2007 and extra rail paths into Connolly Station become available.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Transport the proposed route of the new underground rail system for Dublin; the number of stations there will be along the proposed route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12520/04]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the airport metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10985/04]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/04]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11029/04]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that he can deliver the Dublin metro by 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11031/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 93, 100, 102, 117 and 121 together.

The programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a metro with a link to Dublin Airport. I have received the revised outline business case for line 1 of the metro from the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, which involves a line from the airport to the city centre. I am currently finalising my proposals on the metro in the context of the wider transport needs of the greater Dublin area. I expect to bring these proposals to the Government shortly.

I understand that the metro would take approximately four years to build. However, as the project would be a public private partnership, there is a strong incentive for the bidders to minimise the construction period as payment will not commence until the service is in operation.

The precise route, number of stations and hence costs would depend on a number of factors, including the Government decision; geotechnical surveys; negotiations with bidders; and railway order process, including the public inquiry. In preparing a submission for the Government on this matter, the merits of all alternative solutions and routes will be considered. Again, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any of these alternatives in advance of Government deliberations on the matter.