Written Answers. - Capital Projects.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:
358
Mr. R. Bruton
asked the
Minister for Transport
if he will publish the details of the capital projects being initiated during 2003 by his Department and planned for the following four years; and the current estimate of the final cost of the projects in each case.
[14457/03]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows.
LuasThe Railway Procurement Agency is progressing work on the extension of Luas to Cherrywood and to the Docklands. This includes public consultations, design and route planning and preparation of a business plan. Subject to a satis factory business plan being developed, it is anticipated that the RPA will be in a position to make an application to me for a Railway Order for one or more of these extensions during 2003. Final cost estimates will not be known until a business plan is submitted.
MetroThe Outline Business Case for Phase 1 of the Metro has been received in my Department and is being carefully considered. A number of additional aspects of the proposals are being assessed as part of the evaluation of the Outline Business Case. As a PPP, it is difficult to estimate the final costs until the project is advertised and bids received. The cost to the State could well take the form of availability payments over a set number of years, beginning when services commence.
Public Transport AccessibilityPublic transport accessibility projects amounting to some €5 million will be funded in 2003 for the CIE operating subsidiaries.
Bus Átha CliathSeventy-eight new buses have been ordered for delivery in 2003. Fifty-eight of these are replacement buses being funded from BAC own resources. Twenty are being funded by the Exchequer. Construction of Harristown garage to accommodate 240 buses will commence in 2003.
A total of €5.7 million has been allocated to Bus Átha Cliath in respect of these projects for 2003.
Bus ÉireannSixty-five new buses will be delivered in 2003. Thirty of these are being funded by BE own resources for Expressway services. Thirty-five replacement buses will be Exchequer funded for regional stage carriage and commuter services. Modification of garage facilities associated with the introduction of low floor buses under the NDP will also take place.
A total of €10 million has been allocated to Bus Éireann in respect of these projects for 2003.
Iarnród ÉireannIrish Rail have placed an order for 67 new mainline railway carriages at a cost of €117 million for delivery in late 2005.
Work has commenced on Phase 1 of the DASH, Dublin Area Suburban Enhancement Project to increase capacity by 50%. This project is due for completion in 2005 and includes the purchase of a further 40 DART units. This is expected to cost €53 million.
Construction work has commenced on the Kildare line to increase capacity by 130% over the next 24 months by providing longer platforms and trains and a turn-back facility at Newbridge. The expected cost of this project is €5.4 million. Irish Rail are also investigating the purchase of up to 40 regional diesel railcars for use on intercity services. No costings have been completed on this project. Projects planned for the remainder of the national development plan will be dependent on funding levels and the prevailing budgetary and economic situation over the coming years. My Department and Irish Rail are in discussion on prioritising investments to 2008. It is hoped to conclude these negotiations shortly.
National RoadsUnder the Roads Act 1993, the NRA has overall responsibility for the planning and supervision of works for the construction and maintenance of national roads. It is a matter for the NRA, within the strategic framework set out in the NDP, to manage, in co-operation with local authorities, the planning, design and implementation of individual road development projects. In relation to projects due to start in 2003, I am informed by the NRA that it is envisaged that construction will start on seven new schemes this year namely:
M1 Dundalk Western bypass
N2 Carrickmacross bypass
N4 Kilcock-Kinnegad bypass
M7 Monasterevin bypass
N7 Naas Road (Kingswood Interchange)
N8 Cashel bypass
N25 Waterford City bypass
The public sector cost of the PPP projects, M1 Dundalk Western bypass and N25 Waterford City bypass, depends on the outcome of negotiations with preferred bidders and in particular, the level of funding provided by the successful bidder in each case. The estimated final cost of the other projects is in excess of €474 million.The number of schemes proceeding to construction in 2003 may increase further depending on the overall rate of progress of the roads programme and financial commitments arising during the year.
