Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding Metro North; if he will confirm that there have been no changes to the route or underground nature of the service provided in the long-standing Metro North plans; when construction works will commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5806/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Good progress continues to be made on the Metro North project. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has made an application to An Bord Pleanála for a railway order and, subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order, preparatory works such as utility diversions will commence later in the year. The first round of tenders for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract are due to be submitted to the RPA at the end of this month.

The RPA has made no changes to the route of Metro North, either underground or on the surface, as outlined in the railway order application to An Bord Pleanála.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. My priority for public transport is to deliver additional capacity across all modes as quickly as possible and major projects, such as Metro North, will be particularly important in this regard.

In accordance with the requirements of the Government decision on Transport 21, Metro North will be submitted to Government for a final decision on the project on the completion of the tender process.