Mary O'Rourke, Expects widespread interest in project
The Minister for Public Enterprise has announced a competition to select an operator for the LUAS light rail line, which is due to open in 2003. However Fine Gael has claimed that potential operators will be wary of getting involved in the scheme because they have had no part in the planning process.
Operators are being sought for two LUAS lines, one running from Tallaght to Connolly Station, and the other from Sandyford to St Stephen's Green. A total of 7,400 passengers are expected to use the lines, and Minister O'Rourke expects the competition to attract interest from both Irish and international operators. The franchise is to be awarded for a term of five years, with an option for renewal.
However Fine Gael spokesperson on traffic, Olivia Mitchell, has warned that the LUAS as planned will have difficulty attracting cost efficient tenders. She said that the operators are being asked to run the system without having had any input into its design. She also said that the original integrated network has now been changed to two distinct lines, and that additional operational costs will be borne by the customer.
