Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the proposed route for the extension of the red Luas line to Spencer Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26975/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The further development of the Luas network is the responsibility of the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA. The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, is developing a proposal for an extension of the Tallaght to Connolly Station Luas line from Connolly Station to a terminal stop in the vicinity of the Point Depot. At present, my Department is awaiting a business plan from the RPA to assist in its evaluation of this extension.

I am aware that some concern has been expressed about possible disruption to operations of the IFSC if a Luas extension to the Point Depot is routed along Mayor Street and that an alternative alignment has been suggested. The RPA has prepared a technical analysis of the relative merits of the alignment options and is consulting widely with, among others, the Dublin Docklands Development Agency, Dublin Transportation Office and Dublin City Council. The board of the RPA will make a final decision on the alignment of the extension only when these consultations are completed. The proposals will also be the subject of a full public inquiry before a railway order can be granted.