The proposed spending envelopes approved and set out by his Department for the foreseeable future

Date: 04 July 2006


Dáil Question No: 461 To ask the Minister for Transport the proposed spending envelopes approved and set out by his Department for the foreseeable future; the broad objectives to be achieved by spending of such financial envelopes; the timescale set out for achievement of targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Enda Kenny.

Response
by the Minister for Transport
(Martin Cullen)

Transport 21 is the Government’s €34 billion, 10-year capital investment framework for transport, through which the transport system in Ireland will be developed for the period 2006 - 2015. This framework addresses the twin challenges of past investment backlogs and continuing growth in transport demand. The projects and programmes that make up Transport 21 aim to increase accessibility, ensure sustainability, expand capacity, increase use, and enhance quality. Transport 21 covers investment in national roads, public transport and regional airports.

The basis for Transport 21 is a ten-year capital envelope agreed with the Minister for Finance. This envelope comprises an agreed annual provision for Exchequer and PPP expenditure over each of the ten years based on a combination of project – specific allocations for major infrastructure works and global allocations for certain areas of expenditure like traffic management. Each year annual allocations are made from the provision for that year, either in the form of global allocations to bodies like the National Roads Authority (for national road improvements) or project - specific allocations.