Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
23. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the progress of Ireland's application for European Investment Bank loan funding for the Luas cross city project; if he has identified other infrastructure projects which he is considering making an application for funding to the EIB; if he will list such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22689/13]
View answer36. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the possibility of borrowing funds from the European Investment Bank to allow for the progression of the Metro North project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22830/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 36 together.
Following agreement with the Department of Finance, which takes the lead role on EIB matters, engagement has commenced with the EIB regarding a loan for Luas Cross City. The National Transport Authority, which is the sanctioning authority for the project, is taking the lead role in providing the detailed information and data required by the EIB. When I met senior officials from the European Investment Bank recently, I took the opportunity to outline my Department's priorities for investment in Transport Infrastructure in the medium to long term. We discussed the application for Luas Cross City and a presentation on the project was made to the visitors. The EIB officials are very supportive of the Luas link. I expect the application to have a positive outcome. Given the constraints in Exchequer funding, I do not have any other major public transport projects I can submit for EIB funding. The EIB has expressed interest in the DART Underground but due to the cost of this project it can only proceed as a PPP project and with a very significant Exchequer contribution. I will review this project in advance of the next capital plan. In relation to roads, the EIB has contributed to the recently agreed PPP for the N11 Arklow - Rathnew and Newlands Cross project. EIB funding will also be sought for the other three road PPPs announced under the 2012 stimulus package - the N17-N18 Gort to Tuam road, the N25 New Ross bypass and the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy road.
