Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way the revised national development plan will enhance regional accessibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55753/21]
View answer102. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of NSO 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55752/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 102 together.
Again at the outset it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in coordinating the NDP Review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and Agencies.
With that point noted, I would be glad to give the Deputy an overview of the NSO 2 which is the delivery of enhanced regional connectivity. This National Strategic Outcome seeks to enhance intra-regional accessibility through improving transport links between key urban centres of population and their respective regions, as well as improving transport links between the regions themselves.
The relevant sectoral strategies include a new Sustainable Mobility Policy which is being developed by The Department of Transport as well as the forthcoming National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) which will set out the prioritisation for future investment in the land transport network to support the delivery of the National Planning Framework.
The Government is firmly committed to encouraging the use of walking, cycling and other active travel methods, and this has been signalled by the recent increase in the active travel budget, for example the continued rollout of the successful and popular Greenways programme throughout the country.
Investment in the regional and commuter bus fleet will continue with the purchase of up to 400 new vehicles. A Strategic Rail Review has recently been launched which will examine all aspects of the inter-urban and inter-regional rail network including decarbonising the railway, and the feasibility of higher speeds and increased capacity.
Under the new NDP, the National Roads programme will continue to provide for improved connectivity across the years 2021-2030. Accordingly, there will be significant investment in the national road network across the next 10 years.
A total of 31 specific national road projects were identified as priorities in the NDP, for example the N/M20 Cork to Limerick. This is not an exhaustive list and these projects will progress through the relevant approval processes at different speeds depending on the particular nature of the projects. Funding from within the available budget will then be provided as necessary.
The recent completion of the new N4 Upgrade to Sligo provides a great example of the kind of road investment being delivered under Project Ireland 2040.
