Ongoing economics indicators regarding plans and proposal

Date: 02 April 2009


Dáil Question Nos: 32, 120, 121 To ask the Minister for Transport the degree to which it is expected to proceed with all of the proposals contained in Transport 21 in view of the ongoing economic indicators; if it is intended to place particular emphasis on those areas expected to be job creative as well as long term economic benefits; if it is intended to re-arrange any of the targets contained in the proposal; if consideration has been given to the full extent of the funding required and the sources from which such funding will derive; if it is expected that work will start and remain on schedule throughout; if he expects or will make strategic interventions or fundamental changes in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Bernard J. Durkan. For ORAL answer on Thursday, 2nd April, 2009. Ref No: 13738/09 To ask the Minister for Transport if it is intended to enhance or reduce or otherwise alter the proposals contained in Transport 21; if it is intended to proceed with the project on time and within budgetary targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Bernard J. Durkan. * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 2nd April, 2009. Ref No: 13977/09 *To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which it is intended to proceed with the full compliment of proposals contained in Transport 21; if it is the intention to deliver the programme in full without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Bernard J. Durkan.

Answered by Noel Dempsey T.D.
Minister for Transport

REPLY

I propose to take Questions 32, 120 and 121 together.

Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework guiding Government investment in national roads and public transport up to 2015. A number of road and public transport projects have already been completed, others will be completed this year and many are under construction or at planning.

My priorities for investment in national roads are the completion of the major interurban network by 2010, the progressive development of the Atlantic Road Corridor as well as the improvement of other key national primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain national secondary routes.

On the public transport side, the provision of increased capacity will be a key consideration in determining investment priorities. Given their potential to greatly increase capacity on the public transport network, Metro North and the DART Underground are key projects. Investment in increased bus capacity and bus priority measures are also priorities. The bus-related investment will be guided by the Deloitte cost and efficiency review of the CIE bus companies and the availability of current funding for public service obligations.

The selection of projects and programmes will also be guided by the overarching priorities set out by the Minister for Finance for capital investment, namely strengthening the productive capacity of the economy and sustaining employment. Particular attention will also be paid to projects which have network benefits.

The planning of the major transport capital projects identified in Transport 21 is continuing and they will be released for construction as soon as they are through statutory procedures and the available financial resources permit and consistent with the priorities I have outlined.

While most of the funding for projects and programmes will be provided by the Exchequer, there is also a significant PPP content in Transport 21. My Department is continuing to explore possibilities for procuring further projects through PPP.