Vol. 534 No. 2
52 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps taken to date under the national development plan to improve the quality of the economic and social infrastructure of the midlands; and if objectives specified in the plan are on target. [6991/01]
The national development plan provides for a total investment of some £21 billion, which is the 1999 figure, in infrastructure over the period 2000 to 2006 and sets out a strategic framework for the development of economic and social infrastructure throughout the country over the same period. This framework has been further elaborated in the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme, which provides for major improvements in national roads, public transport, water and waste water infrastructure, sustainable energy, social housing and health facilities. Further investment in infrastructure, including non-national roads, rural water, waste management and urban and village development, is provided for through the operational programmes for the border, midlands and western region and for the southern and eastern region.
Progress in implementing infrastructural investment under the NDP is being closely monitored on a continuing basis. Work is well under way in implementing agencies, including my Department, local authorities, the National Roads Authority, CIE and the health boards, on the detailed programming and/or roll-out of the work required and in the planning, design and implementation of individual infrastructural projects. Every effort is being made to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of improved infrastructure throughout the country, including in the midlands area. Expenditure on infrastructure programmes in 2000 was in line with the targets contained in the NDP.
