Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Development Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

193 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the targets set in the national development plan by his Department have been achieved to date or are achievable within the timescale indicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

A great deal has already been achieved in the area of public transport under the NDP. There have been significant increases in capacity and quality of service for Iarnród Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath, and Bus Éireann, in the safety of the rail network and many other practical measures that are helping to improve public transport flows and reduce congestion in the greater Dublin area and throughout the country. I expect all public transport projects under the NDP to be completed. Some projects will run beyond the plan's time limit. Unfortunately, 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.

Good progress has also been made in the implementation of the overall national roads upgrade programme provided for in the NDP. To date 37 projects, a total of 269 km, including 76 km of motorway and 50 km of dual carriageway standard, have been completed. In addition, work is under way on 15 projects totalling 150 km, including 122 km to motorway-dual carriageway standard. Another 11 projects, a total of 131 km, are at tender stage. By the end of the year nearly 30% of the five major inter-urban routes will be upgraded to motorway-dual carriageway standard. Work is under way on approximately another 12%.

Grant aid of approximately €9.2 million has already been approved under the first round of funding of the regional airports measures of the BMW and S&E regional operational programmes. I expect that the first round of approved projects currently funded by this NDP measure will be completed on time. The completion of relevant projects within the targeted timescale is the responsibility of the regional airports.

In the light of prevailing budgetary constraints, a new round of projects will be considered for funding under the measure, as soon as the regional airport companies draw down existing allocations.

Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 7.