Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Transport Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that exporters have ready access to overseas destinations in view of the importance of adequate transport links by land; and if he will make a statement on the matter [4407/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

I am satisfied that the national development plan provides the strategic framework, and the funding, to ensure the development of a high quality transport network sufficient to meet the needs of the economy.

The plan includes an amount of £4.7 billion for the improvement and maintenance of the national road network in the period 2000 to 2006. This is a threefold increase in the level of investment in national roads provided for in the period 1994 to 1999. This funding will ensure the development by 2006 of the major inter-urban routes to motorway-high quality dual carriageway standard; further major improvements on other national primary routes, and improvement of national secondary roads, with emphasis on routes which are of particular importance to economic and regional development, including links to the strategic corridors, roads serving key ports, airports, tourists areas, industry and multi-purpose roads. Further details of this national roads strategy are set out in the national development plan and will be simplified in the operational programme for economic and social infrastructure.

Addressing urban transport needs in the greater Dublin area will be a major priority during the period to 2006. An allocation of £1,585 million is being provided over the period of the national development plan for public transport and traffic management and substantial additional resources will also be made available for major investment, including completion of the M50, Dublin Port access tunnel and other national road projects. These measures will, on completion, facilitate exporters in gaining access to overseas destinations through Dublin Port and Dún Laoghaire.

In so far as rail is concerned, CIE is being provided with very substantial resources for the maintenance and renewal of the railway infrastructure and the operation of rail services. The national development plan makes provision for an investment of £500 million in mainline rail during the period 2000 to 2006. This includes a sum of £350 million for the continuation of the railway safety programme and a further £150 million for non-safety related investment such as the purchase of new rolling stock, the upgrading of railway stations and the renewal of railway plant and equipment. It is planned that by end 2003 practically all the track on intercity routes will be converted to continuously welded rail. In addition to track renewal substantial investment is being made in the renewal of bridges and fencing and in the upgrading of level crossings. This programme should facilitate the provision of improved services and result in reductions in journey times on all mainline services.