Vol. 520 No. 2
77 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the new services or the extension of existing services contained in the national development plan, which are funded by her Department, which have commenced or will commence in County Westmeath in 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15428/00]
78 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the capital programmes contained in the national development plan and funded by her Department that have commenced or will commence in the Westmeath constituency in 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15455/00]
I propose to take Questions No. 77 and 78 together.
The overall national development plan makes provision for public investment of £299.3 million in public transport infrastructure in the Border, midland and west region, including the Westmeath area.
Iarnrod Eireann will be purchasing additional rolling stock, undertaking major track renewal and upgrading work. The NDP also includes provision for acquisition of additional vehicles and infrastructural development by Bus Eireann.
Details of specific services to be provided are a matter for the individual companies.
A sum of £152 million has been allocated to co-fund investment in advanced communications and e-commerce infrastructure and services under the NDP for the years 2000 to 2006, with £100 million of this amount being allocated to the Border, midlands and west region. 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.
