February 2006

Delivery of Transport 21 
Since the January 2006 progress report, the following has taken place:

Luas

• The Minister launched a public consultation process by the RPA on the Tallaght Luas extension to City West on 23 February 2006. It is expected that a significant proportion of the cost will be met by developers along the 3.2 km. extension. The RPA expect that the project will add an additional 3.5 million passenger journeys to the network by 2016. 
  
• The Public Inquiry for the Sandyford to Cherrywood Luas extension commenced on 27 February 2006.
  
• The RPA public consultation on five potential routes for linking both Luas lines in the city centre closed on 15 February. 
  
• The capacity enhancement project on the Tallaght Luas line is on schedule to deliver an additional 40% capacity by 2008, through the extension of the trams from 30 to 40 metres.

Metro

• The Minister launched a public consultation process by the RPA on the route of Metro North on 28 February 2006.  

Heavy Rail

• The Railway Order Public Inquiry for the Kildare Route Project was completed on 2 February 2006. The Minister will make a decision on the granting of a Railway Order for the project upon receipt and consideration of the report of the Inspector to the Inquiry. 
  
• Iarnród Éireann submitted its proposals in relation to Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor project (Ennis to Athenry) on 21 February 2006 and these are being examined.
  
• Planning and design work on the Cork Commuter Rail project is at an advanced stage.

Roads

• A contract for Phase 1 of the M50 upgrade project was awarded in February 2006. This project involves improvements to the M50 between the N7 and N4 junctions. Work is expected to begin in March 2006 and finish in mid-2008.
  
• Construction commenced on the 18km N5 Charlestown Bypass on 20 February 2006. It is expected that the project will be completed in December 2007.