Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 460: To ask the Minister for Transport the way he will accelerate the Interconnector project as announced by An Taoiseach on 24 March, 2007; and the timescale proposed. [12975/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 provides for the completion of the inter-connector (and the associated electrification project) by 2015. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it expects to have preliminary design work on the inter-connector completed in August. The work includes verifying the proposed alignment, developing station designs and layouts, carrying out geotechnical ground investigations, establishing detailed cost estimates and liaising with landowners, local authorities and other key third parties.

At that stage, a detailed timetable for the further planning and design of the project and its implementation will be determined on foot of this report. I will be seeking to ensure that this project, which is critical for the development of railway services in the Dublin area is advanced to completion as quickly as possible. Iarnród Éireann have established a strong record for the implementation of projects on time and within budget. This experience will be of benefit in taking forward the inter-connector project.