Vol. 520 No. 1
116 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the new services or extension of existing services contained in the new national development plan funded by her Department which have commenced or will commence in the south Kildare constituency during 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15246/00]
117 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the capital programmes contained in the national development plan and funded by her Department which have commenced in the south Kildare constituency during 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15261/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
The national development plan, NDP, makes provision for substantial investment in public transport infrastructure in the southern and eastern region, including the south Kildare area.
Iarnród Éireann will be purchasing additional rolling stock, undertaking major track renewal and upgrading work. As part of this programme, for example, Iarnród Éireann has commenced design work on quadrupling the existing double track between Dublin and Hazelhatch. It is anticipated that this project will be completed by 2003 and will give potential for increasing commuter service levels on the corridor.
The NDP also includes provision for acquisition of additional vehicles and infrastructural development by Bus Éireann.
Details of specific services to be provided in south Kildare are a matter for the individual companies.
Some IR£120 million has been allocated under the NDP to co-fund investment in advanced communications and e-commerce infrastructure and services. Some IR£36 million of this amount is being allocated to the southern and eastern region, which includes south Kildare. I expect to issue the first call for proposals for funding in communications and e-commerce infrastructure under the new NDP measures during the coming months.
