The Minister for Public Enterprise is expected to give formal approval within 10 days to the development of the proposed multimillion-pound Luas line between Tallaght and Middle Abbey Street, in Dublin's city-centre.
Today she is expected to brief Cabinet colleagues on the report of Judge Sean O'Leary into this section of the light-rail line.
Mrs O'Rourke is likely to give this section the go-ahead, after which the tendering process begins. Construction should start in the spring of 2000, but, under the terms of the projected timetable, the Luas programme is ahead of schedule.
Judge O'Leary, who acted as inspector in the inquiry into the Tallaght-Middle Abbey Street line and delivered his report before Christmas, has also agreed to the Minister's request that he act in the same capacity in relation to the Sandyford-St Stephen's Green line.
"He has accepted my invitation and . . . will commence in April," the Minister said. E. The report is being circulated among TDs and Senators.