February 2007

The following developments took place in February:


LUAS

Luas Line C1 - Docklands Extension

The statutory period for application for leave to apply for judicial review of the Railway Order in respect of the planned Luas Red line extension to The Point expired on 11 February 2007 and that Railway Order is now fully enforceable. The RPA expect that construction works will commence in May 2007.

Luas Line B1 - Sandyford to Cherrywood

On 26 February 2007, the RPA commenced enabling works on the project to extend the Luas Green line from Sandyford to Cherrywood.


HEAVY RAIL

Cork Commuter Rail

On the 1 February the Minister for Transport announced that he had published the Inspector’s report of the Public Inquiry. He is now considering the relevant documentation, including the Inspector’s report, as required under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act, 2001. He will make a decision on the application for the Railway Order when he has given all the documentation due consideration.

150 Intercity Railcars

Manufacturing of these vehicles is well underway in South Korea. The first two sets (six vehicles) have been dispatched and are due to arrive in Ireland on 4 March 2007.


ROADS

N9 Dublin to Waterford

On 12 February, the Minister for Transport marked the commencement of Phase 2 of the M/N9 Waterford to Dublin road project. The project consists of 24 kms of road built to motorway standard and forms part of the southern section of the Waterford to Dublin inter-urban corridor. It will run from Knocktopher in County Kilkenny to the N25 Waterford City Bypass - this Bypass is currently under construction. Ascon Ltd. have been awarded the contract for the Knocktopher to Waterford project, which is expected to be completed in 2009. The project is one of seven national road projects to commence this year.


REGIONAL AIRPORTS

On Wednesday 21 February 2007, Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen TD, together with his colleague Minister of State, Pat the Cope Gallagher, announced that the Government had given approval for capital grants amounting to €86 million for the country’s six regional airports from within the €100 million earmarked for these airports under Transport 21. The Ministers announcement refers to a new capital grants scheme launched by the Department in mid 2006.

The beneficiaries under the scheme are:

• Ireland West Airport Knock is to receive €27 million, including €17 million for a major apron (aircraft parking area) and terminal building extension. The airport has a 2,300-metre runway and a proven track record. The decision recognises the airport’s key strategic importance to the west and northwest. 
  
• Kerry Airport is to receive almost €17.7 million. Included in this sum is a maximum amount of €13.1 million for terminal and related facilities to cater for a substantial projected increase in tourist business, especially short break traffic, in this tourism region. 
  
• Waterford South East Regional Airport is to receive €22.3 million, that includes €13 million for a runway extension and widening, and other improvements. This investment will address one of the key infrastructure deficits in the southeast region.
  
• Donegal, Sligo and Galway regional airports are to receive €3.8 million, €8.5 million and €6.3 million respectively for projects aimed at providing enhanced levels of safety and security, including in the case of Sligo, an essential runway end safety project. Included in Galway Airport’s €6.3 million allocation is the sum of €3.5 million for developmental works.