Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013
26. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his Department's plans to recommend improved transport provision to and from Dublin Airport across the northside of Dublin and within the greater Dublin area in the coming years up to 2015. [30907/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Metro North Project in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31055/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the funds that were raised in levies during the planning period of the Metro North project; and if they will be ring-fenced for other Dublin-based infrastructure projects or repaid to residents. [31031/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 41 and 47 together.
Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 and against the background of difficult funding realities a decision was taken to defer the Metro North project together with a number of other proposed new projects. Given the limited funds available, the decision was taken that the main priority to 2016 is to protect investment made to date, to maintain safety standards, and to progress affordable projects, such as Luas Cross City, which add value to the existing network.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently preparing an Integrated Implementation Plan for investment to 2018 in the GDA as required under the DTA Act 2008. This plan will address the investment needs of the Swords/Airport corridor to 2018 based on available funding and will be subject to public consultation later this year. Furthermore, I have asked my officials to prepare a Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport which will inform future investment plans and this work which will include a review of Metro North as well as other projects is underway. Metro North is postponed not cancelled and is kept under review.
My Department is providing funding, however, to the NTA under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Scheme which facilitates investment in the various QBCs, cycling/walking, safety and traffic management projects throughout the seven local authorities in the GDA region. Included under this Scheme in 2013 is funding of over €4m to Fingal County Council for 23 projects one of which is for the design of the Swords Road QBC Upgrade within the Fingal area. In the City area, Dublin City Council is also being funded for the tender and construction of Phase 1 of the Swords Road QBC (removal of a pinch point at the Cat & Cage).
With regard to levies payable in respect of the Metro North project, the decision in relation to the payment of Section 49 development levies is a matter for the relevant planning authority in accordance with the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and I have no function in regard to the matter.
