It is estimated that approximately €31 billion or some 87% of the profiled expenditure for the period of the plan to the end of June 2004 has been incurred. The regional breakdown of this expenditure is €8.3 billion for the BMW region and €22.8 billion for the southern and eastern region representing, 75% and 92% of profiled expenditure respectively.
With regard to the key NDP area of investment in infrastructure, the BMW region is at 85% of profiled expenditure under the economic and social infrastructure operational programme, ESIOP. Exchequer-funded investment in the BMW region is at 93% of profile under the ESIOP. The Government is committed to significant expenditure on infrastructure in the BMW region and I anticipate that this will continue to occur over the remainder of the NDP.