Phase 2 of the project will culminate in identification of the preferred option. Following this, the scheme will progress through Phases 3 and 4 subject to receipt of relevant approvals. Phases 2 to 4, set out in the TII Project Management Guidelines, are described in the following paragraphs and shown in Figure 11.

Phase 2 (Options Selection)

The purpose of Phase 2 is to examine alternative options to determine a Preferred Option. The preferred road-based scenario and the rail-based scenarios will be carried forward to Phase 2 Option Selection, as indicated in Figure 10.  For the preferred road-based scenario, we will develop route options within the N20 corridor. The road-based route options along with the rail-based options will be appraised in relation to the project objectives to identify the preferred transport option for connecting Cork and Limerick in the N20 Corridor.

A suitable study area will be defined around the N20 corridor. Options will be developed in the study area and all options will be examined against the identified constraints in the study area. The suitable options are then appraised/evaluated under safety, economic, environmental, accessibility & social inclusion and integration criteria to identify the Preferred Option. An important attribute of Phase 2 is facilitation of stakeholder engagement by the Sponsoring Agency, through public consultation events. A key deliverable for Phase 2 is the Option Selection Report with identification of the Preferred Option.

Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation)

The purpose of Phase 3 is to develop the design of the Preferred Option to a stage where sufficient levels of detail are developed to establish land requirements and to evaluate the potential environmental impact of the scheme. During Phase 3 the Statutory Processes and the survey requirements to develop the design are also determined. The key deliverables for Phase 3 include Design Report, Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Statutory Process Documentation (and relevant drawings and schedules) and Preliminary Business Case.

Phase 4 (Statutory Processes)

The purpose of Phase 4 is to compile documentation and participate in Oral Hearing(s) as required by the Statutory Processes to ensure that the proposed project is developed in accordance with planning, environmental and other relevant legislation. The planning documentation is submitted to An Bord Pleanála, who facilitate the holding of an Oral Hearing, which provides the opportunity for supporters and objectors to the proposed scheme to raise their comments. Following the Oral Hearing, An Bord Pleanála can approve, approve with conditions or reject a scheme.

The subsequent phases for a scheme that is granted planning approval from An Bord Pleanála, are: –

Phase 5 (Enabling and Procurement)

The purpose of Phase 5 is to compile tender documentation to allow for the appointment of a Contractor to execute the Main Contract and any enabling works. The key deliverables for Phase 5 include Detailed Project Brief, Procurement Strategy and Final Business Case.

Phase 6 (Construction and Implementation)

The purpose of Phase 6 is the administration and execution of the Main Contract in accordance with the design, specification, relevant standards, and legislation. During Phase 6, the key components are cost, risk, and value management. The key deliverables during Phase 6 are the Monitoring Reports.

Phase 7 (Close out and Review)

The purpose of Phase 7 is to complete all outstanding contractual and residual issues relating to the project leading to the closeout of the construction stage of the project and the review of the project to ascertain the key lessons to be learned for application to future projects. The key deliverables for Phase 7 include Project Completion Report and Ex-Post Evaluation.