The Rt. Honourable the Lord Hardie, Chairman of the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry has today (Wednesday 27 May) issued a formal call for persons or organisations who wish to be designated as ‘core participants’ during his inquiry, with a deadline to apply by 24 June 2015.
Underlining the continued good progress of his inquiry, Lord Hardie has also today announced that a brief formal Preliminary Hearing of the independent public inquiry into the Edinburgh Trams project will take place on Wednesday 19 August 2015 at the Inquiry offices, Waverley Gate, Edinburgh.
A core participant will be expected to have a key role during the Inquiry. They may appoint a recognised legal representative and may attend for all or substantial parts of the proceedings.
Lord Hardie, explained: “At a brief, formal Preliminary Hearing on 19 August, I will announce the details of those persons and organisations who have been designated as core participants. These individuals and organisations will have a key role during the inquiry and participate actively in the proceedings by making statements or asking questions, under my guidance.
“The main purpose of the Preliminary Hearing is to ensure that all procedural matters are agreed before the start of the Inquiry Hearings, the dates for which I will announce at an appropriate future juncture and in line with the published Order of Events.”
Lord Hardie will not take questions or hear evidence at the Preliminary Hearing. However, a transcript of the proceedings will be available on the Inquiry website shortly after the hearing.
Further information relating to core participant status, including details of eligibility, their role in the Inquiry and details of how to apply can be found at Procedures and Guidance.