Vol. 427 No. 3
13 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has for the provision of a properly integrated land, sea and air transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A national development plan, which will be the basis for the next round of EC Structural Funds programmes, is currently in preparation. Work on this plan is being co-ordinated by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. It is the Government's intention to seek EC funding, under the plan, for an integrated package of transport investment proposals, including proposals for Ireland's participation in the new Cohesion Fund. Final decisions as to the amount of funding to be allocated to transport investment will depend on the Government's assessment of overall national priorities and on the outcome of detailed negotiations with the EC.
Can the Minister indicate when the plan will be ready? What criteria will apply in the determination of the requirements? Will they be financial criteria or the requirements of his Department or will they be strictly the requirements by way of transport needs?
The determining criteria will be found in the Programme for a Partnership Government which recognises that we must step up investments in our transport infrastructure with the assistance of the Cohesion Fund and the expanded Structural Fund. In addition, the programme places a new emphasis on the development of public transport as well as recognising that the mainline rail network is an integral element of our transport infrastructure. Accordingly, in the Government's formulation of the national development plan I will be endeavouring to secure appropriate allocations of EC funds for rail and public transport projects which will complement additional investment in road transport.
A serious difficulty pertains as far as the co-ordination effect of this national development plan is concerned. What steps does the Minister propose to take to put an end to the fragmentation within the public service on transport policy? Does the Minister accept that there is a clear conflict between the allocation of portfolios? The Department of the Marine is in some way responsible for ports and sea transport, the Department of the Environment has an important role to play in motor transport and freight transportation, while this Minister has other important functions. What steps does he propose to bring together the various strands of transportation in view of the importance of transport for our economy?
I take the point that different Departments are responsible for different aspects of our transport infrastructure, but that should not militate against a coherent, integrated policy. Under the national development plan the Minister for Finance, as the person who will be sending the application, is the co-ordinator. In regard to the Dublin Transportation Initiative, the Minister for the Environment and I are working hand in hand to bring forward proposals to implement it, particularly the capital projects which have employment potential. We want those projects up and running as soon as possible. The premise behind the question that one needs all these things in the same Department in order to get a coherent response may look logical, but existing arrangements do not militate against a coherent policy being brought forward. That will be evident where the national development plan is forwarded to Brussels.
In relation to the Dublin Transportation Initiative study, could the Minister give some date for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report? Will he include the extension of the DART line to Greystones, which would be of major benefit to people in my constitutency?
I note the Deputy's wry smile. The interim report has just come to hand. The Minister for the Environment and I are setting up a group to work on it and to come forward with proposals. Regarding the extension or otherwise of the DART line to Greystones, the Deputy will have to await our deliberations.
Given the Minister's reference to public transport, does he envisage supporting the theory of a seabridge or a fast roll-on roll-off ferry service which would give faster access for Irish exports to European markets.
That is the responsibility of the Department of the Marine. There is a need to ensure that investment in improving our transport infrastructure will be mirrored in improved and more efficient air and sea transport to get our goods to market at a competitive price.
Will the Minister act as co-ordinator?
I will act in whatever way I am asked.
