Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Transport if the proposal for a use of the Broadstone alignment other than the Luas line to Liffey Junction which forms part of Transport 21 and the programme for Government that has been submitted by Iarnród Éireann makes provision for the opening of a station or stations between Liffey Junction and Broadstone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29503/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to previous replies to Questions Nos. 217 and 233 of the 13th of November and Question No. 172 the 7th of November.

My Department has received preliminary proposals from Iarnród Eireann in relation to the provision of additional terminal capacity at Broadstone. These proposals envisage the development of a new terminal station at Broadstone and the reinstatement of the 2.5 km double track spur to Glasnevin Junction. I understand they do not provide for a station or stations between Broadstone and Glasnevin Junction.

Booz Alan Hamilton are expected to report on this by the end of this month. On receipt of the Iarnród Éireann proposal in relation to the use of the Broadstone alignment, my Department requested Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) under the terms of this contract, to provide advice in accordance with the following terms of reference: The Department is seeking independent advice from BAH on the optimal transport use of the Broadstone alignment taking account of the capital investment framework under Transport 21 and the possible future strategic rail transport requirements in the Greater Dublin Area. The Department is seeking a review of work already carried out by the transport agencies in relation to: The transport case for the reopening of the Broadstone station and the reinstatement of the double track section as proposed by Iarnród Eireann, whether the reopening of the Broadstone station, as proposed by Iarnród Eireann, best meets the deficit in city centre terminal capacity having regard to the capital framework in Transport 21, previous Exchequer investment in Docklands station, the location of Broadstone, the planned Interconnector and the future strategic requirements of the heavy rail commuter network in the Greater Dublin Area; the transport case for a light rail line to Liffey Junction through Broadstone, and whether such a line best meets the possible future requirements for a light rail connection to north-west Dublin and the future strategic transport requirements of north-west Dublin, whether such a line could be provided by an alternative on-street alignment, which would meet the same objective, within the capital framework of Transport 21 having regard to the future strategic transport requirements in the area.

The ultimate aim of the assignment is for BAH to provide an analysis of the respective merits (pros and cons) of the two proposals (heavy rail and LUAS) for the use of the Broadstone alignment and provide advice on the optimal transport usage of the alignment in the development of an integrated public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area. The analysis should have regard to the capital framework under Transport 21 and the future strategic transport needs of the Greater Dublin Area.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will publish in full the terms of reference provided to the transport consultants Booz, Allen and Hamilton engaged by his Department to review the proposal by Iarnród Éireann for a use of the Broadstone alignment for suburban rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29504/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Earlier this year, my Department appointed Booz Allen Hamilton to provide independent financial, economic and technical advice in relation to the Transport 21 capital investment framework.

On receipt of the Iarnród Éireann proposal in relation to the use of the Broadstone alignment, my Department requested Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) under the terms of this contract, to provide advice in accordance with the following terms of reference: The Department is seeking independent advice from BAH on the optimal transport use of the Broadstone alignment taking account of the capital investment framework under Transport 21 and the possible future strategic rail transport requirements in the Greater Dublin Area. The Department is seeking a review of work already carried out by the transport agencies in relation to: The transport case for the reopening of the Broadstone station and the reinstatement of the double track section as proposed by Iarnród Eireann, whether the reopening of the Broadstone station, as proposed by Iarnród Eireann, best meets the deficit in city centre terminal capacity having regard to the capital framework in Transport 21, previous Exchequer investment in Docklands station, the location of Broadstone, the planned Interconnector and the future strategic requirements of the heavy rail commuter network in the Greater Dublin Area; the transport case for a light rail line to Liffey Junction through Broadstone, and whether such a line best meets the possible future requirements for a light rail connection to north-west Dublin and the future strategic transport requirements of north-west Dublin, whether such a line could be provided by an alternative on-street alignment, which would meet the same objective, within the capital framework of Transport 21 having regard to the future strategic transport requirements in the area.

Advice should be provided on a phased basis, through a series of reports to the Department, in line with a timeframe to be discussed and agreed between BAH and the Department. The ultimate aim of the assignment is for BAH to provide an analysis of the respective merits (pros and cons) of the two proposals (heavy rail and LUAS) for the use of the Broadstone alignment and provide advice on the optimal transport usage of the alignment in the development of an integrated public transport network in the Greater Dublin Area. The analysis should have regard to the capital framework under Transport 21 and the future strategic transport needs of the Greater Dublin Area. Booz Alan Hamilton are expected to report on this by the end of the month.