As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as a DART link to Dublin Airport, comes under the remit of the NTA. I have recently received a copy of the preliminary business case that Iarnrod Eireann has submitted to the National Transport Authority in relation to the development of the DART link to Dublin airport. In compliance with the Department of Public Expenditure capital appraisal guidelines which require independent review of business plans, this plan is currently being reviewed by the NTA. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment on the business plan details until this process is complete.
In relation to Government policy on public transport investment, the comprehensive review of capital expenditure is currently underway. The level of funding available for public transport investment from 2012 to 2016 will be dependent on the outcome of this review which takes place against a background of new funding realities. A major consideration for transport investment over the next five years will be the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards.
In relation to the large public transport projects in the Dublin area, the availability of funding, both from the Exchequer and private sources, will be a key consideration in the capital review as will the contribution to transport objectives, including the potential to add value to existing services, and create employment. The outcome of the review should be available in the next few weeks.