Vol. 568 No. 6
144 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the implementation of those areas of the national development plan for which his Department has responsibility; and if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed by the Institute of Engineers regarding delays in the implementation of infrastructural projects under the plan, some of which it says could be six years late. [16863/03]
277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which cost targets set in respect of the national plan for transport are achievable; the likely cost increases attributable to slow progress on the various projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17179/03]
284 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the various targets set in the programme for Government are achievable within the time scale predicted; the progress in achieving targets in respect of each transport route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17186/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144, 277 and 284 together.
I expect that all the projects in the public transport sector, which are being funded under the national development plan, will be completed. While some projects may run beyond the time limit of the plan, it is not possible to identify them at this stage as completion of the NDP programme will be dependent on funding levels and the prevailing budgetary and economic situation over the coming years.
The very significant Exchequer allocation to my Department for 2003 in respect of the provision of transport infrastructure clearly demonstrates the Government's strong ongoing commitment to the NDP programme and to maintaining a high level of investment in infrastructural projects.
Significant progress has also been achieved during the past year on the NDP airports measure. The completion of relevant projects within the targeted timescale is the responsibility of the regional airports. It is anticipated, however, that these projects will be completed broadly within the specified NDP budget.
On national roads, the national development plan – Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme – provides for total investment of €6.748 billion over the period 2000-06. Investment over the period 2000-03, including the 2003 Estimates provision, will be approximately €3.96 billion.
