Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the situation whereby rail projects scheduled to begin in 2006 as part of the Transport 21 programme were not begun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41744/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am generally satisfied with the pace of implementation of the railway upgrade programme in the first full year of investment under Transport 21. Construction has commenced on the Portlaoise train care depot and on the new Docklands station, and planning and design is well underway for a number of projects including the Navan rail link and the Western Rail Corridor. Delays in the commencement of main works have occurred in three rail projects, due to delays in the statutory Railway Order processes.

I announced my decision to grant the Railway Order for the Kildare Rail Project on the 13th August last, in line with the recommendations of the Inspector to the Public Inquiry into the project. The preparation of the Order, which took longer than expected, was completed between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General on the 1st December. I signed the Order on 5 December, further to the signing by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 4 December in relation to his consent for the provisions of the Order affecting roads. I understand Iarnród Éireann has commenced enabling works and is proceeding with detailed design and procurement, with a view to commencing the main works early next year.

In respect of the Cork-Midleton Rail Project, I appointed an Inspector to hold a Public Inquiry into CIE's application for the project on 26th May last. The Inquiry opened on 31 October and concluded on 3 November. I am now awaiting the report of the Inspector into the Public Inquiry before I can make my decision as to whether to grant the Railway Order. Subject to completion of the Railway Order process, it is expected that the construction of the line can still be completed on schedule in 2008.

Among the various Luas/Metro projects under Transport 21 only the proposed Luas extension to Cherrywood was scheduled to commence construction before the end of 2006.

I signed the Railway Order for that extension on 14 August last. However, as the Deputy will be aware, a third party subsequently sought leave in the High Court to challenge the grant of this Order by way of judicial review and the matter is now before the courts. The scheduled completion date for this project was 2010 and every effort will be made, subject to the outcome of the current legal proceedings, to minimise the impact of the latter on this timetable.