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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2011

Wednesday, 20 April 2011

Questions (37)

Robert Dowds

Question:

46 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on delivering a major transport infrastructure project in Dublin and, in particular, his further views on building a much needed underground interconnector between Heuston Station and the main north/south rail corridor with a stop at the St. Stephen’s Green Luas. [8587/11]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the DART Underground, comes under the remit of the NTA. The legislative basis for this is Section 11(1)(e) of the DTA Act 2008 "Principal Functions of Authority — The principal functions of the Authority are to secure the — provision of public transport infrastructure".

In relation to Government policy regarding DART Underground, as part of the preparation of a new Capital Investment Framework recently approved by Government which will be overseen by my colleague Mr Brendan Howlin, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department will review transport capital spending. This review, which will take place against a background of new funding realities, will examine the costs and benefits of all capital projects as well as their overall economic impact and job creation potential. A major consideration will be the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards.

In relation to the large public transport projects in the Dublin area, the availability of funding, both from the Exchequer and private sources, will be a key consideration as will the contribution in the short, medium and long term to transport objectives and employment creation potential. Despite funding difficulties I will be seeking to ensure that at least one of these projects will go ahead and in this regard will examine all realistic options for delivery including delivery on an incremental, phased basis.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 40.
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