Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1074: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will request the Railway Procurement Agency to start the design and consultation for two metro or Luas lines serving North Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28234/06]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1106: To ask the Minister for Transport if the Metro will serve Beaumont and Beaumont Hospital. [29206/06]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1107: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will support the East Metro route as it would be a major benefit to the northside of Dublin. [29243/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1074, 1106 and 1107 together.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is currently undertaking extensive work in relation to the Metro and Luas rail projects for North Dublin included in TRANSPORT 21.

In relation to Metro North, which will run from St. Stephen's Green to Swords via Dublin Airport, the RPA has completed the public consultation process for the route alignment. The selection of the route is a matter for the RPA and I understand that the Board of the RPA expect to make a formal announcement regarding the preferred alignment in the near future.

Metro West, which will be built on a phased basis, is intended to link Tallaght with Clondalkin, Lucan and Blanchardstown and connect with Metro North at Ballymun. The RPA have made good progress on identifying possible alignments and I understand that the RPA will commence public consultation on route options before the end of this year.

In line with the timeframes set out in Transport 21, Metro North and Metro West are scheduled for completion in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

I am currently considering the inspector's report from the Public Inquiry into the Railway Order application for a Luas extension from Connolly Station to the Point Depot. In addition, the RPA are continuing consultations on the various route options for linking the two existing Luas lines in the city centre; Transport 21 provides for the further extension of this line to Liffey Junction by 2012. The RPA are also working on identifying feasible alignments for a Luas line from Lucan to the City Centre.