LUAS TEMPLATE 2002 - DTTAS Department of Transport ... · PDF file3 contents Role of the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group Introduction by the Chairman The Railway Procurement Agency

To the Minister for Public Enterprise

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2002February

Sixth report of the Light Rail Advisory& Action Group

Chairman and Membersof the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group

Chairman: Padraic A. White

Members: Andrew Cullen, Department of Public Enterprise

Gerry Duggan, E.S.B. International

Caroline Gill, Insurance Ombudsman

Donal Mangan, Light Rail Project Director

Oliver O’Connor, Special Adviser to the Tánaiste

Tom Wall, I.C.T.U.

Co-ordinator: Monica Wallace, Department of Public Enterprise

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contentsRole of the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group

Introduction by the Chairman

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA)

– New Agency with Responsibility for Luas

Group’s Findings

Overview of Progress

Tallaght to Connolly Station (Lines A/C)

Sandyford to St. Stephen’s Green (Line B)

Public Communications

Annex A: Terms of Reference for the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group

Annex B: Operational Guidelines for the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group

Annex C: Overview of Implementation and Monitoring Structure

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he Light Rail Advisory & Action Group wasestablished by the Minister for PublicEnterprise in November 1998. The mandateof the Group, since that time, has been tooversee the planning and implementation ofthe light rail network as decided by theGovernment in May 1998. This networkcomprised five light rail lines and broadlyenvisaged two major routes, from Tallaght toConnolly Station and from SandyfordIndustrial Estate to the Airport via anunderground section in the City Centre. TheAdvisory and Action Group’s particular focushas been on adherence to the indicativetimetable, published by the Minister, forimplementation of that network.

In January 2001, the Minister adjusted themandate of the Group, in order toaccommodate new proposals for anexpanded Dublin light rail network asoutlined in the Dublin Transportation Office’srecently published strategy, ”A Platform forChange.” The change in mandate alsoreflected the Government decision of July2000 to develop a metro system for Dublin,which would include, at a later date, theupgraded light rail Line B from Sandyford toSt. Stephen’s Green and an extension of thisline south to Shanganagh, near Bray, andnorth to Swords via the City Centre andDublin Airport.

Accordingly, the Minister confirmed theGroup’s continuing terms of reference in

relation to the Tallaght to Connolly Stationline and the Sandyford to St. Stephen’s Greenline (Lines A, B and C), and to the indicativetimetable for completion of construction ofthese lines as set down by Government inMay 1998. The Minister also extended theGroup’s mandate to include specificallymonitoring of the arrangements forcommunication with the public during theconstruction phase of Lines A (Tallaght toAbbey Street), B (Sandyford to St. Stephen’sGreen) and C (Abbey Street to ConnollyStation). In January 2001, she also indicatedthat the Group would have a further role toplay in relation to future metro or LUAS lines,when detailed implementation plans for theDTO’s proposals have been considered.

(See Terms of Reference for the Group at Annex A).

The Advisory & Action Group’s core role isto advise the Minister as to whether theproject is on schedule or deviating fromschedule. It can also raise early warning flagsif it sees problems emerging. It will alsoreview and make recommendations inrelation to effective communications with thepublic and with those directly affected by theconstruction works. The Group is an advisorygroup only – it does not have executiveresponsibility for implementation. It is anaction group only insofar as its deliberationsinfluence others or its advice to the Ministerhighlights the need for action to keep thelight rail and metro projects on schedule.

Role of the Light Rail

Advisory & Action Group

ROLE OF THE LIGHT RAIL ADVISORY & ACTION GROUP

“The complex works along theLUAS lines are increasinglyobvious to commuters“

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his is the sixth and final report of theLUAS Advisory Group. Our reports every sixmonths have spanned the three year periodin the life of the LUAS light rail developmentfrom January 1999 to December 2001. Ourmandate from Minister Mary O’Rourke wasessentially to report on the adherence orotherwise of the construction of the LUASlines from Tallaght and Sandyford to theindicative timetable set down by theGovernment in May 1998. The indicativetimetable called for completion ofconstruction in the course of the year 2003.

We have reported in detail over the pastthree years on the progress and theproblems.

The topline assessment is that thetimetable has been substantially achieved,that the Tallaght and Sandyford lines canbe completed and Dubliners experiencingtheir first LUAS journeys before the end ofnext year.

The complex works along the LUAS linesare increasingly obvious to commuters: forexample, the tall plinth for the rail bridgeover Taney Road at Dundrum on theSandyford Line, or the new bridge for theTallaght LUAS line over the M 50 at theRed Cow.

There is public scepticism that promises

for the delivery of new public transport willbe kept due to a long pattern of failures tomeet declared plans. In our earlier reports,we commented on the persistence of thisscepticism about the LUAS even when theconstruction was on schedule. There arerecent indications that public awareness,interest and knowledge of LUAS progress isincreasing in an encouraging way: some38,000 people visited the first LUAS tramwhen it was open to the public for threedays in November; a recent survey indicatedan awareness level in excess of 80% and aninterest in using LUAS by three quarters ofthose surveyed.

The light rail system which the city willhave from next year will introduce anentirely new type of travel experience forDublin commuters which they may haveseen or sampled in other countries.The bright and accessible trams andfive minute frequencies at peak timesshould prove popular with thecommuting public.

This final report does refer to the manyelements of construction, commissioning oftrams and safety approvals which have stillto be successfully completed before thepassengers go on that first journey. Theyare all " do-able " but will require acontinued focus and co-operation fromall concerned.

Introduction

by the Chairman

INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIRMAN

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The new Railway Procurement Agency(RPA) was established on December 28thlast following enactment of the enablinglegislation on 23rd December. The newAgency will be responsible for the deliveryof the LUAS system and will be reporting asa State agency on its progress.

I have the honour of being appointedChairman of the new Agency by MinisterMary O’Rourke and am joined on the Boardby Tom Wall who is also a member of theLUAS Advisory & Action Group. Both of uswill continue our engagement in the LUASproject through the new Agency. DonalMangan, who has been the Light Rail OfficeDirector and a member of the LUASAdvisory Group, has been appointed actingChief Executive of the RPA.

Finally, I wish to thank the othermembers of the Light Rail Advisory andAction Group for their support andcommitment over the three years of theGroup’s existence. On behalf of theAdvisory Group, I also wish to thank theco-ordinator of the Group Monica Wallacefor her most efficient service and supportof our work.

Padraic A WhiteFebruary 2002

Introduction by

the Chairman

INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIRMAN

The light rail system will introduce an entirely newtype of travel experience for Dublin commuters which they may have seen or sampled in other countries

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Railway Procurement

Agency (RPA)

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RAILWAY PROCUREMENT AGENCY (RPA)

To date, the design, planning and construction of the Luas system has been theresponsibility of the Light Rail Project Office of C.I.E. Responsibility for completionof the project is now transferred to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), whichwas established on 28 December 2001, further to the enactment of the Transport(Railway Infrastructure) Act, 2001. The RPA is an independent statutory public bodywith responsibility for procuring new metro and light rail infrastructure through publicprivate partnerships, joint ventures or other means, as determined by the Minister forPublic Enterprise.

The Light Rail Project office of CIE, suitably expanded and restructured, forms thestarting point for the new Agency. One of the first steps to be taken by the Agencywill be to sign the light rail operations contract at the end of February 2002.

The members of the RPA Board are:-

Mr Padraic A. White, Chairman and currently Chairman of the Light Rail Advisory and Action Group,

Mr. Colin Hunt, Chief Economist with Goodbody Stockbrokers,

Dr. Finola Kennedy, Economist and Lecturer in IPA.

Mr. David Manley, Accountant and former President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Margaret O’Mahony, Transport Engineer and Senior Lecturer in the Engineering Department of TCD, and

Mr. Tom Wall, Assistant General Secretary of ICTU who is a member of the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group

Prior to the establishment of the Railway Procurement Agency the Ministerappointed the members of the Board on an interim basis, on 12 July 2001, to assistthe transfer of responsibilities from the Light Rail Project office to the RPA and toadvance the project generally.

In consultation with the Advisory Group, the Minister considered that theAdvisory Group, in its three years of monitoring and reporting on the timetablefor implementation of the project, had fulfilled its function and that responsibilityfor reporting progress should now pass to the new Agency.

New Agency with responsibility for Luas

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n the Group’s last report (July 2001),we indicated that construction of bothlines was due to be completed in 2003;the Tallaght line to be completed inOctober and the Sandyford line inDecember 2003. Passenger services aredue to be introduced at, or very shortlyafter, the completion of construction.

We have also previously indicated thattwo other, additional elements must alsobe in place for passenger services tooperate and be authorised. Firstly, thefranchise operator must be mobilised,have all preparations made and be readyto operate the service and, secondly, thecommissioning of the vehicles and theentire system must be completed andapproved by the Railway Inspecting Officerof the Department of Public Enterprise.(These duties and responsibilities are tobe subsumed into a Railway SafetyCommission provided for under the recentlypublished Railway Safety Bill, 2001).

In general, good progress has been madein the past six months in diverting utilitiessuch as gas, water, electricity andtelephones from the path of the rail track.The consortium appointed to lay the trackand install the electrical power system hascommenced their work; the depot at RedCow on the Tallaght line was completed

and the work started on the Sandyforddepot; works on the bridges over the M50,Rialto and Heuston on the Tallaght line allprogressed well. The northern pier of thefly-over bridge at Taney Road at Dundrumbecame a highly visible part of theSandyford line. The new trams began toarrive and by the end of the year, 5 tramshad been delivered. The first tram was puton display in Merrion Square for three daysin November 2001. It was visited by anestimated 38,000 people and the reactionto the new trams was overwhelminglypositive and enthusiastic. Further detailsof developments are described under theindividual reports on each line.

The Advisory Group is aware thatconsideration is being given to an extensionof the LUAS line to the Dublin Docklandsarea – such an extension is incorporated inthe strategy to 2016 of the DublinTransportation Office. It is too early toconclude if such an extension would affectthe construction of the approved alignmentbetween Store Street and Connolly station.As of now, the Abbey Street to ConnollyStation segment can be completed byDecember 2003.

The selection of the franchise operator isnearing completion and the early award ofthe contract will permit the operator’s

Overview of Progress

FINDINGS OF THE LIGHT RAIL ADVISORY & ACTION GROUP

“...the reaction to the new tramswas overwhelmingly positiveand enthusiastic“

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timely involvement in the commissioningprogramme. The Group has been advisedthat the necessary staff and budgetresources for the Railway SafetyCommission will be available, to enable theCommission to fulfill its functionsthroughout the commissioning and safetyapproval process. Pending the passing ofthe legislation, we understand that theRailway Inspectorate in the Department ofPublic Enterprise will be in a position toaddress the safety validation of LUAS.However, it is the responsibility of theproject promoter to ensure that theInspectorate receives timely and adequateinformation and documentation.

While progress overall in the provision ofthe LUAS lines is good, the Group alsostresses that achievement of the 2003completion target remains dependant onsuccess in a number of key areas:

• Progress of critical construction projects,being carried out in parallel to the mainconstruction works, such as the TaneyBridge, Dundrum, and some of the criticalutility diversion contracts;

• Ongoing interagency co-operation withkey players such as the relevant localauthorities whose plans for roads, junctionsand bridges may need to be synchronizedwith LUAS works;

• A synchronized approach between

construction, operations franchise,commissioning of the LUAS trams and linesand safety approval so that all have beensuccessfully achieved by the target date forpassenger services.

Mindful of these pressures, the Groupconsiders it appropriate to highlight in this,our final report, the critical milestones forthe project to the target constructioncompletion times during 2003.

CONSTRUCTION AND VEHICLEDELIVERY PROGRAMME

The construction contractors are now fullymobilised and work is underway on bothlines. The contractors are also involved, onan ongoing basis, in preparing detaileddesign proposals for various aspects of thedevelopment. The first Luas tram wasdelivered to Dublin during the first week ofNovember and was put on public displayfor three days on Merrion Square. A further4 trams have been delivered to Dublinsince that time and they are all currentlysecured in the newly completed stablingarea at the Red Cow Depot, where they willshortly undergo initial testing.

The depot itself was completed, onschedule, in August 2001 and 1km ofinternal trackwork has since been laid.


DETAIL AND CONSTRUCTION AT HUESTON BRIDGE

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The test track, from the depot toKingswood, is currently under constructionand this is due to be finalised andenergised in April 2002, at which time thecommissioning process will begin. Othersignificant works on the Tallaght line, suchas the M50 Bridge and demolition work inSt. Mary’s Abbey area are proceeding onschedule. However, delays on a number ofthe remaining utility diversion contractshave the potential to delay handover ofwork areas to the main constructioncontractor. The Group advises that everyeffort should be made to mitigate theeffects of such delays where possible.

On the Sandyford line, timely progress ofthe Taney Bridge is a vital prerequisite foradherence to the main contractor’sprogramme. The northside piling work forthe bridge has been completed onschedule but progress on the southernfoundations could be affected by a 2–3month delay in parallel roadworks beingcarried out by Dun Laoghaire RathdownCounty Council. In the original build-schedule, the roadworks were to haveincorporated a traffic island to be madeavailable for construction of the southernfoundation works. This accommodation willnot now be possible due to the roadworksdelay. Another solution, involving modifiedtraffic flows to accommodate theconstruction, has now been agreed withDun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council,but this situation needs to be monitored onan ongoing basis.

The Group has highlighted theimportance of effective inter-agency co-

ordination in previous reports and hasnoted the Light Rail Project Office’s pro-active handling of such issues in a numberof key areas. However, we wish to stressthe urgency of resolving inter-agency issueswhich may emerge, including that of theTaney Bridge works. The ability to do so iscritical to the timely achievement of theconstruction programme.

The Group welcomes the fact thatprogramming of work by ESB to divert a220kV electricity cable in Harcourt Streethas been brought forward by some monthsto May 2002. The diversion works are nowto be completed by August 2002. This is avery positive development which allows acomfortable time-margin for the completionof that area of the Sandyford line.

OPERATING FRANCHISEPROGRAMME

In 2000, the Government decided toaward a franchise, following a competitivetendering procedure, for the operations ofthe Tallaght and Sandyford lines.Consultants Booz Allen Hamilton, MasonsSolicitors and Babtie Group Ltd. wereselected to design and conduct thecompetition in accordance with EUprocurement rules. Having accepted theconsultants’ recommendations regardingthe scope of the operator’s contract andhow the competition should be conducted,the Minister for Public Enterprise launchedthe competition in December 2000. Thecompetition has progressed as planned,with completion of the contract award


“The contracting authority for theoperations franchise will be theRailway Procurement Agency“

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process scheduled for end-February 2002.

The contracting authority for theoperations franchise will be the RailwayProcurement Agency, established on 28December 2001 following enactment of theTransport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.

The operator, when in place, willimmediately become involved in theproject, by contributing to the constructioncontractor’s detailed designs, theimmediate recruitment of drivers to provide

for the testing of the track and vehicles, andby preparing for all the requirements of theoperating period. Furthermore, the Groupnotes that the operator’s activities duringthe development period, as specified in theoperations contract, are aligned with thetarget dates for completion of constructionand the milestone dates for thecommissioning programme. Thismechanism in the operations contractshould minimise the potential for anydelays arising from lack of co-ordination.


THE DEPOT AT THE RED COW

THE TRAM

INSIDE THE DEPOT

TRACKS LAID AT THE RED

COW DEPOT

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COMMISSIONING PROGRAMMEAND SAFETY APPROVAL

In our last report, the Group referred tothe detailed acceptance process which thesystem has to undergo, culminating inacceptance of the safety case and consentto open the entire system.

Regulatory responsibility for railway safetyis currently vested in the RailwayInspectorate of the Department of PublicEnterprise, but will be taken over by theRailway Safety Commission whenestablished under the Railway Safety Bill2001. Enactment of that legislation andestablishment of the Railway SafetyCommission is hoped for in the Spring2002 Oireachtas session, further topublication of the Bill on 21 December2001. The Department of Finance hasapproved the staffing and financial resourcerequirements of the new office in advanceof the enactment of legislation. The Groupunderstands that the recruitment of theappropriate staff, including two PrincipalInspectors and other technical andadministrative staff to complement theexisting resources of the departmentalRailway Inspectorate, will commenceshortly. In any event, the RailwayInspectorate will be in a position to addressthe safety validation of LUAS on theunderstanding that the project promoterprovides timely and adequate informationand documentation.

The individual elements of the system –such as track, vehicles, control systems,signalling and electrification – will be tested

individually and in different operatingenvironments. Responsibility for testing andthe various certifications in this context willrest with the relevant contractors and anindependent auditor will be required togive assurances as to the safety of thesevarious elements. However, the franchiseoperator is to have responsibility forsubmitting and obtaining regulatoryacceptance of the safety case for the entiresystem, i.e. that satisfying the RailwayInspectorate/Railway Safety Commissionthat the whole system is safe. Theoperator will need to be involved in thecommissioning process from the beginning,particularly in having drivers available forthe testing period and in preparing theTesting and Trial Running Plan.

Five trams have already been delivered toDublin and they will shortly undergo initialtesting (by the vehicle manufacturer) in thenewly completed stabling area at the RedCow Depot. The process of independentlyverifying the trams has also commenced.

The Group has discussed the organisationof the construction programme with theproject manager for the main constructioncontract, and has noted the plan to workalong three adjacent workfronts on theTallaght line and two adjacent workfrontson the Sandyford line. The various aspectsof the construction works –such asexcavation, concreting, track-laying,installation of catenary poles and cableinstallation – will be carefully staged withinthese workfronts so as to minimisedisruption and allow for the parallelprogression of the testing and


“The trams are to move onto thetest track when it is completed andenergised in April 2002“

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commissioning programme. The trams are to move onto the test track

when it is completed and energised in April2002. This part of the line, which is to beused for testing purposes, consists of some2km of the track running south from RedCow, adjacent to the M50 andEmbankment Road, to Kingswood. Fromthat point on, Dubliners will becomefamiliar with the sight of Luas tramsrunning, under test, on increasing lengths of

track as and when they are completed. Inthis respect, adherence to the constructionprogramme continues to be the most vitalaspect of the project. The Grouprecommends that the key interfacesbetween the construction programme andthe commissioning programme beidentified as soon as possible and that amechanism be established to monitor andensure their close alignment.


CONSTRUCTION SITE

AT TANEY BRIDGE

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Indicative Timetable for Luas Services

2000 2001 2002 2003SPRINGSUMMER AUTUMN WINTER SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER

m j j a s o n d j f m a m j j a s o n d j f m a m j j a s o n d j f m a m j j a s o n d j

Main Contractor

commenced work

Main Contractor commenced work

Taney Bridge contract awarded

Taney bridge piling completed

Taney Bridge completed

Line B depot completed

All Line B trams delivered

Track to Ranelagh completed

Charlemont Bridge completedTrack to St.

Stephen’s Green

completed

Line B test track laid

Taney Bridge piling

commenced

Enactment of Transport (Railway

Infrastructure) Act

Operating Contract Awarded

Acceptance of first test track (Line A)

Acceptance of off-street test

running (Line A)

Acceptance of test track (Line B)

Acceptance for off-street running (Line B)

Acceptance of on-street

trial running (Line A)Roads Authority and

Emergency Services

consent to trial running

(Line B)

Acceptance for on-street

trial running (Line B)

Roads Authority and

Emergency Services consent

to trial running (Line A)

Establishment of RPA

Red Cow depot completed

First tram delivery

Line A test track completed

All Line A trams delivered

The Square to Kingswood

track completed

Track to Lower Abbey Street completed

Bluebell to Davitt Road track completed

M50 bridge completed

Construction Programme for Lines A/C

Construction Programme for Line B

Critical Milestones

Critical Milestones

Franchise / Commissioning Programme

Critical Milestones

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Key Milestone Dates for Developmentof Luas up to Target Opening Date

Milestone Event Target Date Implications

Award of the Operations End - February 2002 Operator needs to become involved immediately inContract the construction contractor’s detailed designs, to

recruit and train drivers for testing, inputting to testing and commissioning process and preparing for commencement of operations generally.

TALLAGHT LINE

Completion of test-track April 2002 Necessary for timely commencement of testing and commissioning programme.

M50 Bridge completion February 2002 Early completion will facilitate progress of initial track-laying/cabling works.

Completion of all Tallaght December 2002 There is no float available in the constructionline utility works programme for city-centre area – carry-over of utility

works into 2003 will result in extension of target completion date.

Delivery of all 26 trams August 2002 Necessary for timely progress of trial running andfor line A passenger approval stage.

SANDYFORD LINE

Completion of Taney Bridge December 2002 Critical to effective management and timely progress of the track-laying/cabling contract on this line

Completion of Charlemont Bridge June 2003 Critical to effective management and timely progress of the track-laying/cabling contract on this line.

Completion of all Sandyford November 2002 Necessary for timely progress of the track-line utility works laying/cabling contract on this line.

Completion of Sandyford Depot January 2003 Required for delivery of first Sandyford tram – February 2003

Completion of Sandyford February 2003 Necessary for commencement of Sandyford testingtest-track and commissioning process.

Delivery of all Sandyford trams March 2003 Necessary for timely progress of trial running and passenger approval stage.

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ork is well underway on all areas of theTallaght line, including the city centresection as far as Lower Abbey Street. Thefirst of the 30 metre trams for the Tallaghtline was delivered to Dublin during the firstweek of November and was put on publicdisplay for three days on Merrion Square.A further 4 trams have been delivered toDublin since that time and they will shortlyundergo initial testing in the newlycompleted stabling area at the RedCow Depot.

The depot itself was completed, onschedule, in August 2001, and the stablingyard, the Central Control Room and part ofthe depot workshop have now beenhanded over to the main constructioncontractor for snagging works andinstallation of control room andmaintenance equipment. The test track atthe depot is currently under constructionand this is due to be finalised andenergised in April 2002, slightly behindschedule, but still within an acceptabletimeframe for the commencement of thecommissioning process. Further trackworkfrom Red Cow to Tallaght commenced justbefore Christmas.

The preparatory work for this route isprogressing well and is ahead of schedulein some areas. All utility work has been

completed in the Tallaght to Red Cow area.On the M50 bridge, which will carry Luastrams over the M50 motorway at the RedCow roundabout, all the bridge beams arenow in place and the bridge is due forcompletion in February 2002, one monthearlier than indicated in the Group’s lastreport. This early completion will facilitateprogress in the initial stages of the track-laying and cabling contract. Works on theRialto bridge are also well advanced.

Utility diversion work is drawing to aclose in the Naas Road area and, on DavittRoad, all new water mains have recentlybeen laid. The utility diversion works fromJames’ Street to Smithfield, involvingsignificant demolition work, are due forcompletion shortly. On Heuston Bridge,which is to be restored to its original stateand will carry Luas passengers over theLiffey from Heuston Station, grit blastingand painting is progressing on schedule.The steel fabrication for the restored bridgeis currently being manufactured andprepared off site and will be installedshortly. A contract for public lighting alongthe Tallaght route is also progressing welland recently commenced in the O’ConnellStreet area.

However, delays on a number of theremaining utility diversion contracts have

Tallaght – Connolly

Station Route (Lines A/C)


“The preparatory work for this routeis progressing well and is ahead ofschedule in some areas“

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M50 BRIDGE RED COW DEPOT CONSTRUCTION WORK AT RIALTO

WORK ON THE

SEAN HEUSTON

BRIDGE NEARING

COMPLETION

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the potential to delay handover of somework areas to the main constructioncontractor. The problems are in relation tothe co-ordination of underground servicesin a number of areas. Progress has alsobeen made more difficult by the delay incompletion of works related to BGE’sdiversion of the main gas transmissionpipeline on Davitt Road. This delay meansthat the outstanding, follow-on diversionaryworks – such as the Suir Road bridge –are on the critical path for completion,in order to clear the path for the maincontractor. In this regard, the Group

reiterates our earlier advice that thecontinued co-operation of the utilitycompanies is critical to the heavyconstruction phase of the project.

In relation to the Abbey Street toConnolly Station section of this route,basement reinforcement works for this areacommenced in October 2001 and are duefor completion shortly. A contract forutilities diversion for this section of theroute as far as the VHI offices on LowerAbbey Street was also awarded in October2001 and this work is now progressing.

Tallaght – Connolly Station Route

(Lines A/C) (continued)


TRAM BATH AT THE RED COW DEPOT

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he target date for completion ofconstruction of the Sandyford line isDecember 2003. The constructionprogramme is organised in such a way thatenables works to proceed on both linessimultaneously. While work on theSandyford line is not yet as advanced asthat on the Tallaght line, this work isexpected to present fewer difficulties,involving construction, for the most part, onthe disused railway alignment. In addition,work by the ESB to divert the 220kV cablein Harcourt Street, previously scheduled forNovember 2002, has now been broughtforward to Summer 2002. Thisdevelopment re-introduces some scopeinto the construction programme for theSandyford line and the Group is satisfiedthat the target date for completion ofconstruction is a realisable one.

A number of the important property dealshave been concluded in respect of landrequired for the development of theSandyford line and, while some of therequired properties are still in arbitration,these cases are expected to be resolved inthe near future. This issue is not a matter ofconcern for the timetable for constructioncontractors.

Initial works have commenced on theSandyford depot site, including ongoingutility diversion works. The site has been

cleared – the sod turning ceremony havingtaken place on 15 October 2001 – andconstruction will begin shortly. A contractfor enabling works, including utilitydiversions, from St. Stephen’s Green toCharlemont will be let very shortly.Meanwhile, other utility diversion worksalong the old railway alignment are nearingcompletion. Work on reinforcement of theold railway structures is also ongoing; theco-operation of the many local residentswho, for this purpose, have granted accessto the contractors through their property isvery much appreciated in this regard.

The northside foundation work for theTaney Bridge is now completed. However,progress on the southern foundations(Dundrum Village side) could be affectedby a 2-3 month delay in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council works for theDundrum by-pass. In the original buildschedule, the by-pass works were to haveincorporated a traffic island to be madeavailable for the southern foundationworks, but this accommodation will notnow be possible. While agreementhas been reached with Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council regarding analternative solution, this situation needs tobe monitored closely. The Groupacknowledges the efforts being made toaccelerate the road works in order to

sandyford - st. stephen’s

green Route (Line B)


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facilitate the Luas programme, but notesthat this is a further example of difficultiesin interagency co-ordination impacting onthe Luas schedule. The timely completionof the Taney Bridge (December 2002) iscritical to the effective management andprogress of the track-laying and cablingcontract for the Sandyford line, and earlyresolution of this difficulty – either throughroadworks acceleration or finding analternative way to proceed with thesouthern foundations – is strongly advised.On the positive side, the Group notes thatthe contract for the construction of theTaney Bridge itself has been awarded andthat the contractor has commenceddetailed design work and mobilised to thenorthern abutment site.

The other major structure on theSandyford line is to be the Charlemontcanal bridge. Construction of this bridge,on which the Charlemont stop will besituated and which passengers will accessby lift and stairs, is now scheduled to

begin in Spring 2002, some months inadvance of the originally anticipatedcommencement date. The Groupwelcomes this development in that thetimely completion of this bridge is alsocritical to the main constructioncontractor’s programme.


“Initial works have commenced onthe Sandyford depot site, includingongoing utility diversion works“

THE SITE OF THE DEPOT AT SANDYFORD.

CONSTRUCTION AT

TANEY BRIDGE

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TRAM LEAVING STILLORGAN

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n January 2001, the Minister for PublicEnterprise extended the Group’s mandateto include specifically monitoring of thearrangements for communication with thepublic during the construction phase of theproject. In this context, the Group hasreviewed the communications strategy ofthe Light Rail Project Office and consideredhow this can be developed in order tobroaden and deepen the impact of thestrategy in practice. Among the initiativessuggested by the Group was thecommissioning of a Public Awareness Studyto identify the level of confidence amongthe public that Luas will commence and theperceived benefits of Luas to the city. Thestudy was also to identify the ways in whichpeople learn about Luas and whichmechanisms are most effective inpromoting the project. Early results point toa high level of awareness about Luasamong a random sample of interviewees inthe greater Dublin area (87% ofinterviewees were aware of the proposedsystem) and an indication that usage of thesystem will be high (73% of intervieweessay they will use Luas). Full results of thestudy will be available in the coming weeksand the Railway Procurement Agency willuse these results in developing their publiccommunications strategy for the remainderof the development programme.

The last six months have seen a hugeincrease in the level of physical workstaking place for the development of thesystem, particularly on the Tallaght line.Managing that process, particularly in termsof providing up-to-date information onconstruction, traffic diversions anddisruption to residents and businesses, hasbeen a major task for the Light Rail ProjectOffice. As well as responding to an averageof thirty to forty calls to the freephonenumber every day and a further 15 letters,faxes and emails, the Light Rail ProjectOffice has also been proactively managingthe information dissemination requirementthrough a billboard advertising campaign,radio traffic bulletins, construction updatessent to all residents and businesses on theroute alignments, information packs issuedto 2,500 homes along the Sandyford routeand, more recently, the launch of animproved web-site offering substantiallymore detailed and immediate informationregarding route details, construction worksand traffic diversions.

As well as managing these immediateinformation needs, the Group has alsoencouraged the broadening of the scope ofthe communications strategy to reach awider audience than those directly affectedby the construction works. Since

Public Communications


The Light Rail Project Office hasalso been proactively managing theinformation disseminationrequirement

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publication of our last report, anothersubstantial newspaper supplement wasproduced and distributed to homes all overIreland. In addition, the communicationsdepartment of the Light Rail Project Officehas worked closely with the print andbroadcast media to encourage widespreadcommentary on the progress of the projectand on the benefits that Luas will bring.

The major event to receive widespreadmedia attention was the delivery of the firstLuas tram to Dublin during the first week ofNovember. After being launched by theMinister for Public Enterprise, the tram wasput on public display for three days onMerrion Square. An estimated 38,000people took the opportunity to visit thetram during the period of public displayand the response was very positive.


THE NEW LUAS WEBSITE.

THE LAUNCH OF THE TRAM AT MERRION SQUARE

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1. The Light Rail Advisory / ActionGroup will oversee the planning andimplementation, of the light rail linesapproved by statute, as follows:

• a line from Tallaght to Abbey Street, asapproved by the Dublin Light Rail– (Line A – Tallaght to Abbey Street) Order1999, and an extension of that line fromAbbey Street to Connolly Station, asapproved by the Dublin Light Rail– (Line C – Abbey Street to Store Street)Order 2000 and by the Dublin Light Rail– (Line C(S) – Store Street to ConnollyStation) Order 2000.

• a line from Sandyford Industrial Estateto St. Stephen’s Green, as approved by theDublin Light Rail – (Line B – SandyfordIndustrial Estate to St. Stephen’s Green)Order 1999.

It will also monitor thearrangements for communication with thepublic during the construction of the abovelight rail lines, with an emphasis oneffective communications with residents,businesses and the general public as animportant factor in the delivery of theproject.

2. In carrying out its functions underparagraph 1, the Group will have regard tothe indicative timetable announced by theMinister for Public Enterprise in Dáil Eireannon 12 May, 1998.

3. The group will be chaired byPadraic White, former Managing Director ofthe IDA and a director of a number ofleading Irish and International companies.The other members are: Donal Mangan,the Light Rail Project Director; AndrewCullen, Assistant Secretary, Department ofPublic Enterprise; Tom Wall, AssistantGeneral Secretary, ICTU; Gerry Duggan,Manager of Strategic Consultancy Group,ESB International; Caroline Gill, InsuranceOmbudsman; Oliver O'Connor, SpecialAdviser to the Tánaiste.

4. The Group will report directly tothe Minister for Public Enterprise and itsreports will be published.

5. The Group is authorised to retainconsultants to advise and assist it in theperformance of its functions. TheDepartment of Public Enterprise will act asclient for any consultancy contract. Theconsultants will participate, as required, inmeetings of the Group.

6. The functions of the Group do not,and are not intended to, prejudice thestatutory responsibilities of Coras IompairEireann (C.I.E.) under the Transport (DublinLight Rail) Act, 1996. It is clearlyunderstood that C.I.E. is responsible for theplanning and implementation of the lightrail project and that the role of the Group isconfined to overseeing their work.

Terms of Reference for the Light Rail

Advisory & Action Group

ANNEX A

UPDATED JANUARY 2001

(see overview of new implementation andmonitoring structure at Annex C)

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1. OVERALL MISSION To oversee the planning andimplementation of the Dublin LRT project asapproved by statute.

It is an Advisory group to the Minister. Itdoes not have a "line" or "executive"function .

There is an existing implementationstructure – the Department of PublicEnterprise; LRT Monitoring Group; CIE LRTproject office; Joint Utilities Group.

The Advisory Group will not substitute for ordiminish the statutory responsibilities of theDepartments and agencies responsible forplanning, funding & implementation of theLRT and which are part of theimplementation structure.

2. TWIN OBJECTIVES KEY TO THE OVERALLMISSIONThere are twin and parallel objectives whichthe Advisory Group will regard as paramountto its overall mission.

The first objective is timeliness ofimplementation of the LRT – in the words of Minister O’Rourke, the AdvisoryGroup will" assist in keeping up the momentum sothat Dublin will have a light rail network

within the shortest possible time".

The Group regards the Indicative Timetable,announced by the Minister for Public Enterprise in Dail Eireann on 12 May 1998, as the minimum acceptabletime scale.

The Group will continuously seek to identifyand advise the Minister on ways in whichthe Indicative Timetable can be improved onin the interests of ameliorating the trafficcongestion in Dublin and enabling citizensto avail of the benefits of the LRT at theearliest possible opportunity.

The second objective is the maximumpractical adherence to the light rail projectas approved by Government on 5 May 1998.The Government decision is incorporated ina statement of the planned network and themap of the network produced at the time.

The Advisory Group, in overseeing theplanning and implementation of the projectwill use, as its reference point, the contentand intent of the Government decision of 5May 1998 and any relevant subsequentstatements by the Minister, whilerecognising that some deviations may prove unavoidable for geological, community orother valid reasons.

Operational Guidelines for the Light

Rail Advisory & Action Group

ANNEX B

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3. AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS INMEETING ITS TWIN OBJECTIVES The Advisory Group will focus on a smallnumber of areas of interest which itconsiders critical to meeting the twinobjectives of timeliness and adherence to the Government network decision and which are consistent with itsoverseeing role .

The relevant areas of interest are thosewhich can reasonably be anticipated assources of delay or where , on the otherhand, initiatives can be taken to speed upthe implementation . The areas of interestinclude :

a) Timely availability of funding ;

b) The implications of any planned public-private sector participation(PPP) for the timetable ;

c) Adequacy of Staffing and expertise available to the implementation organisations ;

d) Adequacy and speed of decision makingprocesses and execution in the various implementation organisations;

e) Effectiveness of institutional relationships and co-operation between the implementation organisations .

4. USE OF CONSULTANTSThe Advisory Group can avail of consultantsto assist in its work.

5. REPORTING TO THE MINISTER FORPUBLIC ENTERPRISE The Group will report directly to theMinister and its reports will be published.The intention is to report initially every 6 months .

The Group can convey its views and adviceto the Minister on important matterswithin its remit at any time.

6. OTHER ASPECTS The Group, at its discretion, may wish toconvey its views to the Minister onproposals for extension or modifications ofthe Dublin Light Rail network and theimplications for the indicative timetable andfunding of the network as approved byGovernment on 5th May 1998 .

Note: These guidelines were adopted inDecember 1998 and will be reviewed bythe Advisory Group from time to time.

ANNEX B

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Overview of Implementation and

Monitoring Structure

(from January 2002)

ANNEX C

Minister for PublicEnterprise

The Minister decides onapplications for light railway

orders, provides a policyframework for the project

and allocates funding.

Light Rail MonitoringCommittee

Membership comprisesrepresentatives from the

Departments of Public Enterpriseand Finance and the RPA. TheCommittee’s mandate relates

primarily to the project budget,programming and project

management

Railway ProcurementAgency (RPA)

The Railway ProcurementAgency is responsible for implementation of

the project.

Documents

LUAS TEMPLATE 2002 - DTTAS Department of Transport ... · PDF file3 contents Role of the Light Rail Advisory & Action Group Introduction by the Chairman The Railway Procurement Agency