Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Transport if a final decision has been made on the LUAS D line to Broadstone and Liffey Junction, in accordance with the policy outlined in Transport 21; if so whether the decision has been communicated to all parties; and when it is anticipated work on the LUAS Bx and D lines will commence. [7568/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department engaged independent consultants Booz, Allen and Hamilton to review the proposal from Iarnród Éireann that the Broadstone alignment be used for suburban rail services. I received the report of the independent consultants in recent weeks.

Having considered the report I wrote to both the RPA and CIE on the 4th of February indicating that I was minded to mandate the RPA to proceed with planning the delivery of Luas Line using the old Broadstone Railway alignment. I gave both agencies the opportunity to make written submissions to me before I finalise my decision. I expect to conclude my consideration of this matter in the coming weeks.

As I have stated previously Dublin City Council is currently undertaking an examination of revised traffic management arrangements in the city centre, which will be required for the delivery of the Luas city centre link (line BX), Luas line D to Liffey junction and Metro North.

In addition, the RPA is considering ways of streamlining and combining construction works on these projects in order to minimise the impact on the city centre.

Following completion of further detailed design work and subject to a satisfactory outcome to the city centre traffic management planning work, the RPA plans to submit a Railway Order application for Luas Line BX to An Bord Pleanála later this year. This will influence the timing of Luas Line D, the route for which will be decided having regard to the route of Line BX.