Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018
450. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to advance the Atlantic economic corridor project in terms of upgrading the roads, rail and ports infrastructure along the corridor. [28710/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP) recognise the importance of the Atlantic Economic Corridor.
Under NPF, enhanced regional accessibility is listed as a National Strategic Outcome and supported within the NDP by investments planned in our national roads and inter-urban rail network. In addition the Corridor will also benefit from investments planned under other National Strategic Outcomes such as 'Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities' and 'High-Quality International Connectivity'.
A number of these investments fall within the remit of my Department and its agencies as detailed below -
Roads
The Atlantic Corridor roads project is based on National roads. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred this aspect of the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Rail
Building on the recommendations in the recent Public Investment Management Assessment study and the findings set out in the Rail Review 2016, a continuing key priority for investment in transport under the NDP is to protect the quality of and the investment already made in the existing national rail system, by funding projects that support and maintain safety and service levels in railway operations.
It is also a core priority under the NPF to enhance and upgrade accessibility between urban centres of population and their regions, in parallel with the initiation of compact growth of urban centres. Similarly, a major objective under the NDP, is to make substantial progress in linking our regions and urban areas not just to Dublin but to each other. The NDP also recognises that over the period of the Plan it will be very important to examine the role inter-urban rail network can play in enhancing regional connectivity.
As the Deputy is aware both the ‘Programme for a Partnership Government’ and the NDP commit to an independent review of the costings for a proposal to extend the existing Western Rail Corridor beyond Athenry in County Galway. In this regard my Department is currently at an advanced stage in developing an approach for progressing such a review in line with these commitments, and I expect to be in a position shortly to decide on the approach to be taken. I am cognisant of the need for stakeholder consultation as part of the process and can assure the Deputy that this will be an integral part of the review's arrangements.
Ports
Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Infrastructure Development Programme as outlined in their Master Plan Vision 2041 is well underway. Shannon Foynes Port Company will be investing €27m in the development. The development will be funded through the Company’s own resources, loan financing and EU grant funding.
