Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Transport when he last met all of the stakeholders involved in the preparation works for the big dig and the upcoming major infrastructural works in Dublin for metro north, the Luas link-up and the Dublin rail interconnector; when the public information campaign on the big dig will begin; the date for the launch of the proposed bus gate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13683/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I last met the Stakeholders Group regarding the major Transport 21 infrastructural works in Dublin on 11th March 2009. Pending the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority, the Dublin City Manager chairs the Dublin Transport 21 Implementation Group, which coordinates and oversees the Transport 21 investment programme in Dublin. A Communications Sub-Group of this Group, which is chaired by Dublin City Council, has been formed and is preparing a co-ordinated communications Plan for the construction period of the major Transport 21 projects such as Metro North and the Dublin rail interconnector. A key theme of communications during construction works will be "Dublin is open for business".

I have asked for a presentation on the communications Plan, which is being developed by the Transport 21 Communications Sub-Group, to be made to myself and to all stakeholders at the next meeting of the Stakeholders Group, which is scheduled for May 2009. The communications campaign will be rolled out in advance of works on Metro North. The commencement of works is subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order by An Bord Pleanála. The Oral Hearing on the Metro North railway order application commenced on 1 April 2009.

On 12 February 2009, City Councillors approved the College Green Bus Gate to go to public consultation. The consultation period closed on 27 March 2009. The matter is due to be considered at the Strategic Policy Committee of the Council in April 2009 and by the full Council in May 2009. The date for implementation of a bus gate, which offers significant benefits for bus passengers and Dublin Bus, will depend on the decision of Councillors, following discussion at these meetings.