Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason only one possible route for the proposed Rathfarnham-Terenure Luas line was examined in the feasibility study recently undertaken under Transport 21; the alternative routes possible for that line; the reason they were not studied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32941/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the feasibility study on a possible Luas line connecting Dundrum to the city centre via Rathfarnham, Terenure and Harold's Cross (known as Line E) was published by the Railway Procurement Agency in May 2008. The purpose of the feasibility study was to examine, on the basis of a high level assessment, whether at least one potential corridor exists that could be capable of reasonably accommodating a Luas scheme connecting the Dundrum, Terenure and Rathfarnham areas with the city centre. If the option assessed in the study had not been deemed to be feasible, alternative corridors would have been considered. The study identifies a feasible route corridor and sets out the issues to be considered in relation to the corridor. Following the publication of the feasibility report the Railway Procurement Agency engaged in a consultation process. The Agency is currently assessing the responses received during this consultation process.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Transport if the metro north will proceed on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32942/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The target date for the completion of Metro North is 2013 but this is dependent on the outcome of the planning and procurement processes. A final decision on the project will be taken once the planning and procurement processes are complete. The RPA continues to make good progress on the PPP tender process for Metro North. 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 12 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.