Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has requested that the Railway Procurement Agency carry out feasibility studies of light rail lines for Cork, Galway and Limerick; the position regarding these feasibility studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6413/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government made a commitment to conduct feasibility studies into Luas-type light rail systems in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. I subsequently asked the local authorities in these cities to see that the feasibility of Bus Rapid Transit systems was simultaneously taken into account. These studies, which are being carried out by consultants appointed by the relevant local authorities, with funding from my Department, are examining the most appropriate and feasible public transport systems for the cities in question, and are not being carried out by the Railway Procurement Agency.

The Cork study has already been presented to both Cork City and Cork County Councils, and a public consultation process is being undertaken this month, following which the Study will be sent to both Councils for formal approval. The Final report on the Galway Study has recently been submitted to the City Council and is on the City Council Agenda for the second week of February 2010. The Waterford study is due to be presented to the Strategic Policy Committee at end March 2010 and to the full Council in early April 2010. The Limerick Public Transport Feasibility Study (PTFS), is incorporated into a wider planning, land-use and transportation study, the Mid-West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) including the development of a multi-modal transportation model which means that the Limerick PTFS will take a little longer than the other studies. I expect the full MWASP and Limerick PTFS to be completed and published by the summer of 2010.

I look forward with interest to the full completion of these studies. I shall, on their completion, consider the recommendations in these studies before making decisions on how best to enhance public transport.