Sustainable rail and coach based system within Meath Master Plan

Date: 18 November 2008


Dáil Question No: 259 *To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made as part of the National Transport Policy in implementing the sustainable rail and coach based transport system within the proposed Meath Master Plan which modifies the M3 project and which will reduce CO2 emissions and significantly improve quality of life for people in County Meath, particularly in view of the recent Environmental Protection Agency warning that based on current policy, the transport sector's contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions total here is expected to rise to 22% by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Thomas P. Broughan.

Answered by Noel Dempsey T.D.
Minister for Transport

REPLY

I am aware of the privately produced document to which the Deputy refers. All such documents are, of course, considered in the development of transport proposals.

In the Meath and surrounding areas, Transport 21, the Government’s ten-year financial framework for investment in transport infrastructure, provides for a number of important projects, including the M3 and the Navan rail line, which will enhance the public transport options for people travelling to or from the county.

The M3 motorway from Clonee to North of Kells is currently under construction and due for completion in 2010. Construction of phase one of the Navan rail line from Clonsilla to Pace is now underway and has a target completion date of 2010 also. Iarnród Éireann is currently studying route options in respect of the second phase which will extend the line from Pace to Navan.

My Department is also in the process of completing a Sustainable Transport and Travel Action Plan that will, among other things, address the measures necessary to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector.