Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 189: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress being made in relation to connecting the two Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3763/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Last year, I mandated the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to proceed with planning the delivery of Luas Line BX/D based on the Agency's preferred route for Line BX (St. Stephen's Green to City Centre) and the use of the old Broadstone railway alignment for Line D (City Centre to Liffey Junction/Broombridge).

It will not be possible to fully construct Luas Line BX at the same time as construction of Metro North because of the traffic management implications that would arise in the city centre. The RPA is developing a construction strategy for Luas Line BX, in close co-operation with Dublin City Council, which includes use of Metro North construction sites and recognises the traffic management requirements of the city centre. The RPA is engaging with Dublin City Council on the basis of the contemporaneous delivery of Lines BX and D.

I understand from the RPA that, following public consultation, the preferred route option for Line D has also been identified.

The RPA is now progressing to the detailed design phase and commencing the EIS with a view to making a single railway order application for the combined Line BX/D to An Bord Pleanála in the latter part of this year.

The start and completion dates of LUAS line BX/D will be determined by the outcome of work being undertaken by Dublin City Council and the RPA in developing a construction strategy, the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available to my Department during the current difficult economic climate.