Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 694: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the metro west project; the projected cost of completing this project; and the projected timeframe for completion if the go-ahead is given by Government. [14344/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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On 23rd September 2011, on my instructions, the Railway Procurement Agency withdrew the Railway Order application for Metro West from An Bord Pleanála. I took this decision as this project is unlikely to proceed for some considerable time having regard to current economic circumstances and higher priorities.

Metro West was proposed as an orbital Metro connecting Tallaght in the west of Dublin with the proposed Metro North via Dublin Airport to Swords. It was to be procured as a PPP. However a significant Exchequer contribution would also have been required. Metro West has always been considered a longer-term project, for delivery after Metro North.

The overall projected cost of completing Metro West will depend on a number of factors including the timescale for implementation, the outcome of the statutory planning process and the outcome of whatever procurement process it is decided to adopt at the appropriate time in relation to this project. Prior to last year's decision to postpone this project, the overall budget estimate for Metro West was approximately €1.4 billion. Expenditure on the project to date is €18.7 million.

Metro West will be examined again at a future stage when the country's finances have improved.