Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Transport if the new Metro system will be running under schools; and if there are safety concerns in relation to same. [25376/06]

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.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is currently undertaking extensive public consultation on the route of Metro North. The response to this has been considerable and very positive. A route for Metro North will only be selected when this consultation has been completed.

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 RPA have commenced alignment studies for this project.

As no specific route alignment has yet been fixed for either of the Metro projects, it is not possible to confirm if the route will be under any schools. However, the Metro will be constructed to the highest technical standards, including safety standards.