Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is expected the upgrade of road and rail transport can be provided for in the proposed capital plan; the degree to which adequate funding will be provided in tandem with the objectives of the national development strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7750/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government's new 10-year National Development Plan (NDP) will be published shortly. In line with the recommendations of my Department's 2015 Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport, a continuing key priority for investment in transport under the NDP will be to protect the quality and value of the existing extensive road and rail networks to ensure quality levels of service, accessibility and connectivity. Prioritisation of this type of investment is also a key finding of a recent Public Investment Management Assessment which was conducted by the International Monetary Fund at the invitation of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The National Development Plan will also prioritise key investment actions to progress new key capital transport programmes and projects over the period to 2027. Investment in any new public transport programmes under the National Development Plan will be subject to the relevant appraisal processes and value for money tests as required under the Public Spending Code.
