Doubts that Luas will ever happen have been dispelled by the start of preliminary works to facilitate the first phase of Dublin's light rail network, linking Tallaght with the city centre, and by the expeditious handling of the project over the past 12 months. The only uncertainty still hanging over the £400 million-plus project is what happens in the city centre - whether the proposed light rail line linking Sandyford with Ballymun/Dublin Airport will run on the streets or be put underground.
In May 1998, contrary to the recommendation of transport consultants W.S. Atkins, the Government decided that Luas would run underground between St Stephen's Green and Broadstone. Now, ironically, the same consultants are examining the various underground options.
The Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, could have endorsed the original study, which came down in favour of running on-street. But intense lobbying by vested interests and pressure from the Progressive Democrats - and the Minister's own stubborn conviction - resulted in Luas being "repackaged".
This was seen by many as a political cop-out, but it may also have been a clever move. By removing the most contentious aspect of CIE's original plan, the Government bought time for public inquiries on the Tallaght and Sandyford lines to proceed in a calmer atmosphere.
No final decision on the underground section can be taken until after completion of detailed geotechnical studies. Any scheme would then be the subject of an environmental impact study.
There is also the question of cost. According to reliable sources, running Luas underground in the city centre could add up to £300 million to the overall cost, but without offering any increase in the capacity to transport more passengers.
"Unless it's done in the context of a public-private partnership franchise to run the whole system, it's a non-runner," said one well-placed source. "The climate is changing and I wouldn't be surprised if the Government revisits its decision of May 1998."
Some transport planners are working on the assumption that a final decision on the underground option will be deferred until the Tallaght to Middle Abbey Street line starts running in 2003.