Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Transport if the Metro West project will be completed in 2014; the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23383/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The emerging preferred route for Metro West was announced by the RPA in July 2007 following an extensive consultation process on route options which included the public, residents, property owners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

A further round of consultation is now underway to provide greater definition to the route. The current phase of the consultation process will conclude in the coming weeks and the RPA will then proceed with the preparation of a Railway Order application which will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in 2009. The preparation of the detailed design along the route will also be done in consultation with the relevant local communities and other stakeholders.

The target date for completion of the project is 2014, however, this is contingent on the successful outcome of both the planning and procurement process.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for a Luas or light metro system for Galway; the position in relation to the feasibility plans for Luas systems for Cork and Limerick; the way funding will be provided for these systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23279/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to carry out feasibility studies into Luas-style Light Rail Transport (LRT) systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford within two years. I have since asked that these studies should simultaneously include consideration of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

The local authorities in Cork are currently engaged in updating the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP), and consideration of the feasibility of LRT and/or BRT is part of this study. In the case of Limerick, the local authorities are currently conducting a Planning, Land Use and Transportation Study for the region, and the terms of reference include consideration of LRT/BRT.

Discussions are under way between my Department and the local authorities in Galway and Waterford on finalizing the terms of reference for a feasibility study on LRT/BRT in these cities.

I look forward with interest to the outcome of all of these studies. Any consideration of funding must necessarily wait on the completion of the studies and consideration of their recommendations.