Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1301. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details on the €8 million provided in the budget for the development of the Wild Atlantic Way and if local community groups will benefit from this fund to develop and market their areas on the route of this trail. [47123/13]
View answerThe Wild Atlantic Way is set to be Ireland's first long-distance touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork. It is planned to develop it into an attraction of international scale, on a par with the Garden Route in South Africa or the Great Ocean Road in Australia, that will achieve greater visibility for the west coast of Ireland in overseas tourist markets.
I was pleased to welcome the announcement in Budget 2014 of an additional €8 million in capital investment for the Wild Atlantic Way. I am informed that this funding will ensure the completion of route signage, provide for the development and enhancement of discovery points on the route as well as other infrastructural improvements. I would encourage local communities along the route to get involved with the development of the Wild Atlantic Way and I know that Fáilte Ireland engaged in a local consultation process in the development of the route.
The development of the Wild Atlantic Way is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information in relation to its future development. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1303. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on progress on Luas cross city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47140/13]
View answerAs 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), including the Luas Cross City project, comes within the remit of the NTA.
However for the Deputy's information, the project is progressing well and the essential advance works are underway. The building condition works along the Luas Cross City corridor have been completed and the Cellars Infill works are well advanced. The Heritage Works contract, to temporarily remove various monuments and statues along the route, has been awarded. In addition the Utilities Works contract has recently been awarded with the aim that substantive work will commence in January 2014.
In relation to the main infrastructure contract, the EU Official Journal Notice seeking advance expressions of interest has been published and will lead to shortlisting of bidders in December. The tender process will continue in 2014 and the aim is to appoint a contractor in Q4 2014. Work on the main contract is then expected to commence in early 2015 and to be completed by the end of 2016. Following testing, commissioning and trial runs the line is currently targeted to open in Q4 2017.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed response. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
