Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in the development of a Metro system for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16274/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 includes two Metro lines — Metro North from St. Stephen's Green to the north of Swords, in the vicinity of Lissenhall, to be completed in 2012 and an orbital line, Metro West, linking Tallaght with Ballymun and serving Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown which is scheduled for completion, on a phased basis, by 2014.

I launched a public consultation process by the RPA on the route of Metro North on 28 February 2006. The consultation concerns three potential routes. The views of the public and key stakeholders are being sought on the three routes and the station locations along the three routes, as well as any other options which stakeholders may consider relevant. Arising from the public consultation process, the RPA will decide during the summer which alignment to proceed with.

Metro West, when completed will provide a high quality public transport alternative for the increasing number of people travelling along the corridor between Tallaght and Dublin Airport and provide an alternative public transport option to the M50. The proposed route for the Metro West line will connect with the Luas Red Line at Tallaght, the Kildare and Maynooth suburban rail lines, the new Lucan Luas line and with Metro North at Ballymun. It will serve Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown. The RPA have commenced alignment studies for this project.