I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 122 together.
Good progress is being made in achieving the targets set for the transport sector under the national development plan. This was confirmed by the independent mid-term evaluation of the plan undertaken last year, which included an evaluation of both the roads and public transport programmes.
The first round of projects approved under the regional airports measures of the BMW and the south and east regional operational programmes was completed on time and within cost estimates. A further round of projects is being considered and I hope to be in a position to announce allocations shortly.
The bus network in the greater Dublin area has been significantly upgraded and expanded and the provision of quality bus corridors has helped improve bus journey times. Services have been expanded on the DART system and on the outer suburban rail network and further expansion is planned next year. The opening of both Luas lines has met a strong positive response from the travelling public, and further extensions to the network are being considered. New rail services have been introduced between Cork and Cobh and Limerick and Ennis and the delivery next year of 67 new rail carriages and an additional 36 rail cars will further enhance rail services outside the greater Dublin area. Bus services in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford have also been significantly enhanced while expenditure to date under the rural transport initiative, at €9 million, is more than double the allocation under the national development plan.
The objectives of the national development plan regarding mainline rail included completion of the Railway Safety Programme 1999-2003 and reconstitution before the end of 2003 of the railway safety task force to prepare recommendations for a second five-year safety programme. Both objectives were met. The reconstituted railway safety task force has completed its work and its recommendations will shortly be submitted to Government.
Good progress has been made regarding the implementation of the national roads upgrade programme provided for in the national development plan. To date, 46 projects have been completed, resulting in a total of 327 km. of roadway, including 93 km. to motorway standard and 94 km. to dual carriageway standard. In addition, work is under way on 21 projects totalling 203 km., including 140 km. to motorway-dual carriageway standard. Another 12 projects, amounting to a total of 167 km. of roadway, are at tender stage.
The key NDP mid-term target to achieve 30% completion of the five major inter-urban routes by the end of 2003 was met, and work is under way on approximately another 12% of this work.