September 2006

Delivery of Transport 21

The following developments on delivery of Transport 21 have taken place in the month of September 2006.

HEAVY RAIL

Western Rail Corridor

• On 26 September 2006, the Minister for Transport announced that funding had been approved for Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor Project. Phase 1 includes the introduction of scheduled rail services between Limerick and Galway, the enhancement of existing commuter services between Ennis and Limerick, the development of a commuter rail service between Galway and Athenry and new stations at Oranmore (on the Athenry - Galway line) Sixmilebridge (on the Limerick - Ennis line) and at Gort, Ardrahan and Craighwell (on the Ennis - Athery line).
  
  
• The project involves the upgrading of 58 kilometres of track and associated infrastructure (signalling, fencing, bridges, level crossings, etc) and is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete. Line clearance work is expected to commence before the end of 2006, with physical track renewal starting in 2007.
  
  
• The Minister also approved funding in principle for Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor Project (Athenry to Tuam), subject to a fuller appraisal of the re-opening of the Athenry to Tuam section taking into account completion of Phase 1.
  
  

BUSES

Dublin Bus – new buses

• On 28 September 2006, the Minster for Transport announced that, following Government approval for his proposals on reform of the arrangements for the regulation of the bus market, he has approved funding of €30 million for the purchase of 100 additional buses by Dublin Bus. These buses will cater for the immediate capacity needs of the bus network, arising from new developments around the city and the rollout of the QBC programme.
  
  
• The procurement of additional buses over and above the 100 now to be purchased by Dublin Bus will be a matter for the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. Under the bus market reform proposals approved by Government, the DTA will procure 100 additional buses from the private sector to provide services on new identified routes. 
  

Bus Éireann – new buses

• In conjunction with his announcement on new buses for Dublin Bus, the Minister for Transport also announced, on 28 September 2006, that the Government will be investing up to €50 million in Bus Éireann, for the purchase of 160 new buses to enhance existing non-commercial services and provide additional city and commuter services throughout the country.
  
  
• The 160 new buses will comprise a mix of replacement buses (approximately 90) and additional buses (approximately 70).
  

ROADS

N2 Monaghan Town Bypass

• On 25 September 2006, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport opened the N2 Monaghan town Bypass. The 2.9 kilometre bypass is the first phase of a larger project involving approximately 14 kilometres of new road from north of Emyvale to Corlatt, south of Monaghan town. Phase 2 is at planning stage.