Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 5 November 2008, the amount of the expenditure allocated in his 2009 departmental budget, either as capital or current expenditure, to metro west and the DART underground; if he will to provide a detailed breakdown of this budgeted expenditure in terms of preparatory, planning and design, pre-construction, construction and support work with a time-line for the delivery of both of these infrastructure projects; when it is expected that tenders for the construction of both of these infrastructure projects will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40128/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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As I said in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 5 November 2008, provision has been made for expenditure next year on both the DART Underground and Metro West, which will facilitate significant progress in planning and design. No construction activity is proposed during 2009. The precise allocation for the projects will be determined in the coming weeks taking account of the out-turn of expenditure in 2008 and this remains the position.

However, I can tell the Deputy that the provision will be sufficient to allow work to continue on both projects and that Iarnród Éireann and the RPA plan to be in a position to submit applications for Railway Orders for both projects by the end of 2009. In relation to tenders, I understand that the preparation of the tender documentation will be ongoing during the Railway Order process. However, at this stage it is too early to determine a date when final tenders for construction will be sought.

As I have stated previously, the start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects which have not yet commenced will be determined by the outcome of the statutory processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. The provision of increased capacity will be a key priority in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Transport the time-frame for the opening of the first phase of the Navan rail line; when he expects the station at Hansfield and the station and the park and ride at Pace to open; the increase in rolling stock necessary for the implementation of this first phase; when it is expected that this extra rolling stock will become available; if tenders have been sought and accepted for both the rolling stock and the construction of the rail line and associated infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40131/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand from Iarnród Éireann that work will commence shortly on the Clonsilla to Dunboyne section of the Navan Rail Link and that the project, which includes the construction of the Hansfield and Pace Stations with park and ride, is expected to open during July 2010. The main civil construction contract for this phase was awarded on 5th November 2008. The award of the contract for the procurement of the rolling stock is expected to be taken shortly.