Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the slippage in the originally proposed planning and construction times for metro north; if he will report on his Department's invigilation of the work of the Railway Procurement Agency in this regard; the timeframe for the planning, construction and opening of metro north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24281/07]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Transport when a definitive route for the metro north will be established; when public consultation will cease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24352/07]

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Transport the cost cutting measures for the metro north line that were recommended; the decisions that have been taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24396/07]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the planning and the analysis of the metro service. [23573/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 35, 40 and 112 together.

Metro North is a project of critical importance to the sustainable growth of the economy of the Dublin region. Current projections indicate that in the next ten years the population of Fingal in North Dublin will nearly double and employment will continue to grow significantly particularly in the city. There is a clear transport case for a new high capacity rail link connecting Fingal with the city centre to meet both existing demand and projected future demand. It is also a prerequisite for the construction of Metro West.

The Metro North project has been through a rigorous economic and transport evaluation undertaken by the Railway Procurement Agency in accordance with Guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and which was independently assessed for the Department of Finance and the Oireachtas Transport Committee. I am satisfied that the economic and transport evaluation of Metro North has been in accordance with best practice for such a project.

In February 2006 public consultation on the preferred alignment for Metro North got underway and in October of that year my predecessor announced the preferred alignment selected by the RPA. Since then the RPA has undertaken significant detailed design work and engaged extensively with local communities and businesses. Arising from these consultations local alterations have been made to the preferred alignment. These changes include the decision to go underground through Ballymun and to maximise the green space under which the Metro will run in the Drumcondra area. Both of these changes arise from concerns from local interests raised in public consultations and the RPA has at all times sought to address these legitimate concerns whilst ensuring the overall integrity of the project.

Clearly, these public consultations and consequential design changes already referred to have impacted on the timescale for the project. However, I am satisfied that the approach taken by the RPA in seeking to address the concerns of local communities is the correct one. The Agency hopes to be in a position to lodge an application for a railway order to An Bord Pleanála early next year. The railway order, where granted by An Bord Pleanála, will determine the final alignment for Metro North. Subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order the RPA plans to commence construction of the project in 2009 with a target of commencing Metro operations in 2013.

Throughout the planning and design process, the RPA has sought, and continues to seek, to identify measures to reduce the cost of the overall project. The RPA is responsible for delivery of Metro North and a number of other public transport projects under Transport 21. My Department approves the budget and business cases for these projects. It also monitors the work of the Agency and a joint Department/RPA Monitoring Committee meets monthly to review projects and there are also regular ad hoc meetings on project-specific issues. My Department has also retained independent advisers to review business cases and to advise on specific issues as the need arises, right across the Transport 21 investment programme.