I propose to take Questions Nos. 616, 617, 619 to 621, inclusive, 623 and 635 together.
The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019.
With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040, which I am pleased to report are proceeding at a strong rate. At this time, there are no implications for the allocations for the public transport-related projects referred to by the Deputy from the financing of the National Children's Hospital.
In terms of investment in the inter-urban heavy rail network, funding to be provided in 2019 to Iarnród Éireann is in line with the allocations provided by Project Ireland 2040 which importantly means that the 'steady state' level of investment is met, as measured on an annualised basis.
In relation to the other projects and programmes referred to, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in the programmes and projects referred to by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
