Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact that the LUAS link up will have on Dublin city transport links throughout 2013; if this will have an impact on tourists expected to visit the capital through the Gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54571/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The provision of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as LUAS BXD, now comes under the remit of the National Transport authority (NTA) in accordance with the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.  Pre-construction enabling works will proceed in 2013, with the main construction of the project not commencing until 2015. I understand that there has been extensive engagement between the NTA, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), An Garda Siochana, Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus and the business community aimed at minimising the construction impacts of LUAS Broombridge.  While there will be traffic diversions and public transport changes, well developed plans are being put in place to minimise the impacts of these changes on businesses, commuters, shoppers, residents as well as tourists visiting the city during The Gathering next year.

Undoubtedly there will be some level of inconvenience during the construction of the project.  However, all parties involved with LUAS Broombridge are committed to managing the construction activities in a manner that balances the need to deliver a vitally important project for Dublin with the need to support the continued economic functioning of the city. 

I am determined that this balance will be achieved and I have undertaken to chair a committee comprising the NTA, RPA, An Garda Siochana, Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus and the business community to monitor key aspects of the construction activity. The first meeting of this group will take place shortly.  Unlike the position of just over a decade ago, there is now a depth of experience in Ireland in the delivery of large infrastructure projects and I am confident that we have the capability of delivering this significant project while retaining Dublin City’s attractiveness for shopping, tourism and business.