Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 689: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of the Metro North tendering process; if the advancement of the Metro North tendering process has been stalled; the latest tendering timeframe in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30079/08]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 714: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of the Metro North project; if funding for this project is to be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30795/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 714 together.

The RPA continues to make good progress in the PPP tender process for Metro North and it has not been stalled. The initial phase of the PPP public procurement process was conducted in 2007 resulting in the formation of four pre-qualified consortia for the purpose of tendering for the project. Tender documentation was formally issued to the four pre-qualified consortia on 12th May 2008. Since then the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has held a number of meetings with the consortia. Following on from a request from some of the consortia, the RPA recently agreed to extend the closing date for submission of tenders by two months. Receipt of tenders is now required by 6 February 2009.

In addition, good progress is being made in the planning process. The RPA placed copies of the Railway Order application on display on 17 September in accordance with the 6 week statutory public notice requirement pursuant to section 37 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.

In January 2008, the Government approved the funding structure for the Metro North PPP, including an Exchequer provision for advance works ahead of the main PPP contract and a capital contribution during construction. In accordance with the requirements of the Government decision on the Transport 21 Investment Framework, Metro North will be submitted to Government for a final decision on the project on the completion of the tender process. There has been no change in the Government position in this regard.