Progress which has been made in relation to the delivery of the projects outlined in Transport 21

Date: 01 February 2006


Dáil Question No: 112 &126 To ask the Minister for Transport the progress which has been made in relation to the delivery of the projects outlined in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Denis Naughten. (Nominated by: Olivia Mitchell). To ask the Minister for Transport the projects contained in Transport 21 that will be completed in 2006; the projects that will begin construction in 2006; the details of these projects, including costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Paul Connaughton. (Nominated by: Olivia Mitchell).

Response
by the Minister for Transport
(Martin Cullen)

I propose to take Questions 871. and 832 together

Since the launch of Transport 21 in November last, I have received applications for 2 Railway Orders for Luas extensions to the Docklands and to Cherrywood. The Public Inquiries for these projects are expected to be completed by the summer and contracts awarded by end year. The Cherrywood extension is expected to commence construction this year.

An announcement on the preferred route for linking the Red and Green Luas lines in the city centre should be made later this month, while the public consultation on the route of Metro North should also commence later this month.

The first phase of the DART Upgrade project has been completed on time and within the budget of 176 million euro. Delivery of the 67 new Intercity carriages for operation on the Dublin-Cork route will be complete later year and they will be introduced into service gradually, allowing Iarnród Éireann to provide a service every hour on the route by end 2006.

The Public Inquiry for the Kildare Route project began on 23 January and construction work on the project is expected to commence in 2006. I expect to receive, in the next few months, a Railway Order application in respect of the re-opening of the railway line between Glounthaune and Midleton. Other rail projects expected to commence construction in 2006 are the new Docklands railway station and the new InterCity Railcar depot at Portlaoise.

In relation to buses, Dublin Bus recently submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements, taking account of the emerging findings of its bus network review, which is nearing completion. This is being examined in my Department at present. I understand that Bus Eireann is also finalising proposals for the expansion of its fleet and I expect an application from that company shortly.

In relation to roads, three projects have opened to traffic since the launch of Transport 21. These are the N6 Kinnegad-Enfield Bypass, N22 Gortatlea-Farranfore and N6 Loughrea Bypass. Work has commenced on a three further projects, namely the N5 Charlestown Bypass, M50 Phase 1 and N51 Navan Inner Relief Road.

During 2006, the NRA expects to complete thirteen projects with a combined length of over 82 kilometres and to commence work on fifteen projects with a combined length of 334 kilometres.

Finally, in relation to costs, I have said previously that I do not consider it prudent to release commercially sensitive information in relation to the cost of individual projects within Transport 21 until the public procurement processes are complete. I must maintain that position in the interests of protecting the Taxpayer and ensuring Transport 21 is achieved within its budget of 34 billion euro.