Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 467: To ask the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of linking the green and red LUAS lines, the extension of the LUAS to Docklands, City West, Cherrywood and from the city centre to Liffey Junction. [12399/07]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 468: To ask the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of building the Metro North from St. Stephen's Green to Swords and the Metro West from Tallaght to Ballymun. [12400/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.

Transport 21 provides for the development of Metro North, Metro West and seven Luas projects over its 10-year timeframe and includes an appropriate budget provision for their implementation. The projects will be funded through a combination of direct Exchequer funding to the RPA, Public Private Partnerships, development levies and developer contributions.

I have continually stated publicly that I am not in a position to release details of the costs for specific Transport 21 projects because the details are commercially sensitive from the point of view of protecting public funds and getting best value for money. Consideration will be given to the release of information regarding the costings of the proposed Luas projects after the signing of the contracts for the projects.

It is proposed that Metro North, Metro West and the Lucan Luas line will be procured as public private partnerships (PPP) with the cost of the construction and maintenance borne by the private consortium selected through a tendering process. The PPP consortium will be paid through annual Exchequer payments over a period of approximately 26 years, which will start after commencement of services. The level of payment will be dependent on the consortium meeting service delivery standards set out in the PPP contract.