The group advising the Minister for Public Enterprise on the Luas project has cautioned that there are a number of obstacles which could delay next year's proposed starting date.
The Light Rail Advisory & Action Group, in their sixth and final report to Ms O'Rourke, said the scheduled completion date was dependent on success in "a number of key areas".
It said progress was dependent on a number of "critical construction projects", being carried out in parallel to the main construction works, such as the Taney Bridge in Dundrum on the Sandyford line and some of the critical utility diversion contracts.
However, Mr Padraic White, the group chairman, said the "topline assessment" was that the timetable had been "substantially achieved"; that the Tallaght and Sandyford lines could be completed; and Dubliners would be experiencing their first Luas journeys by the end of next year.
Commenting on the obstacles he said all the different elements were "do-able" but would require continued focus and co-operation from all concerned.
The report states that the Taney Bridge section of the line may be subject to a three-month delay and points out that timely progress is a "vital prerequisite" for adherence to the construction timetable.
On the Tallaght line delays on a number of the remaining utility diversion contracts have the potential to delay the handover of some work areas to the main construction contractor, it states.
The problems relate to the co-ordination of underground services in a number of areas. Progress has also been made more difficult by delay in completing works relating to the diversion of the main gas transmission pipeline on Davitt Road in Crumlin. "In this regard, the group reiterates our earlier advice that the continued co-operation of the utility companies is critical to the heavy construction phase of the project."
December 2003 is given as the completion date for the Sandyford line; however no month is specified for the Tallaght line. Mr White said Dubliners would be experiencing their first Luas journeys by the end of next year.
He also said there was public scepticism that promises for the delivery of new public transport would be kept due to the long pattern of failures to meet declared plans. However, there were indications that public awareness of the project was increasing.
An estimated 38,000 people visited the Luas tram when it was open to the public in Merrion Square for three days last November.