Completions and future priorities

Date: 05 May 2010


Dáil Question Nos: 45, 49 To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which aspirations and objectives set by him at the launch of Transport 21 have been achieved to date or are on course therefor; the extent to which the required capital for the programme remains available, likely to become available or is likely to be curtailed; if the stakeholders or service providers will themselves choose the priorities for the programme or whether he or his Department or other body, group or agency will have an input; the extent to the discussions he has had with the stakeholders in relation to achieving the targets set within the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Bernard J. Durkan. To ask the Minister for Transport the capital investment projects that are commencing in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Bernard Allen. (Nominated by: Fergus O'Dowd).

Answered by the Minister for Transport
Noel Dempsey TD

REPLY

I propose to take Questions …45….. and …49… together.

Very substantial progress has been made on Transport 21:

· The five major inter-urban motorways and the M50 upgrade will be completed this year.

· The Irish Rail fleet has been renewed.

· The Cork-Midleton line and the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor have opened and the first phase of the Navan line will open later this year.

· The Kildare railway line has been upgraded and a number of new Dublin suburban stations have opened.

· The Luas Docklands extension opened last December and Cherrywood and City West are well advanced.

· Over 500 buses have been purchased.

No major Transport 21 projects will commence in 2010 because of the substantial number currently under construction. However increased Smarter Travel investment will allow a number of new projects to begin. Because of the changed economic circumstances, transport investment priorities have been reviewed.

Future national road priorities are
o the progression of the Atlantic Road Corridor, and

o the improvement of other key strategic routes.

The public transport priority is increased long term capacity, particularly through

o the construction of Metro North
o the construction of DART Underground and the implementation of the associated electrification, signalling and rolling stock investments.

It is also a priority to continue planning other projects for earliest possible delivery when the economic situation improves.

The investment in Smarter Travel initiatives will be increased.

Future funding will be decided by the Government having regard to the capital review carried out by the Department of Finance. Strategic priorities will be set by Government. The National Roads Authority and National Transport Authority will be guided by them when deciding on detailed project allocations.