Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport when the public will know if the metro north, the rail interconnector and the Luas BX and Luas link-up will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21735/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The level of funding available for public transport investment from 2012 to 2016 will be dependent on the outcome of the review of capital expenditure which is being overseen by my colleague Mr Brendan Howlin, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and is currently underway. This review, which takes place against a background of new funding realities, will examine all capital programmes and projects taking account of their overall economic impact and job creation potential. A major consideration for transport investment over the next five years will be the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards.

In relation to the large public transport projects in the Dublin area the availability of funding, both from the Exchequer and private sources, will be a key consideration in the review as will the contribution to transport objectives, including the potential to add value to existing services.

The outcome of the review on major projects should be available in September/October.